Marcos hopeful for stronger Philippines ties with Norway, South Korea under new envoys

President Marcos has conveyed to the new ambassadors of Norway and South Korea his intention to strengthen Manila’s ties with both countries. In separate ceremonies, Marcos welcomed the Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines, Kristian Netland, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, Lee Dong-gy, at Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Both ambassadors presented their credentials to the President. During his meeting with Netland, Marcos underscored the “warm and very productive” relations between the two countries and expressed optimism about exploring new areas of cooperation. “I think that there are many, many areas that we can continue to pursue and new areas that we can explore and develop,” Marcos said. He emphasized the importance of the Philippines’ friendship with Norway amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. “We are happy to count Norway as a friend of the Philippines, and we look forward to all that we will do to strengthen that relationship and to make deeper the engagements between our two countries,” Marcos said. For his part, Netland said the Philippines and Norway have enjoyed many decades of friendship “founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and international cooperation.” He cited opportunities to deepen cooperation in the maritime sector, trade, investment, education, innovation, sustainable growth, and the green transition. “Norwegian companies have been present in the Philippines for decades, contributing with expertise, technology, and jobs,” he said. “As both our countries pursue sustainable growth and the green transition, I believe there are substantial opportunities to expand cooperation and create new partnerships that benefit our peoples,” he added. Marcos and Netland then held a closed-door meeting to discuss matters concerning the two nations. In welcoming the South Korean envoy, Marcos expressed confidence that the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and South...