Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed his confidence that the Philippines' bilateral relations and cooperation with Norway and South Korea will further deepen, as he welcomed the two countries' new ambassadors. Marcos received the credentials of Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Kristian Netland and South Korean Ambassador Lee Dong-gy in separate ceremonies at Malaca±an Palace in Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, during his meeting with Netland, Marcos described Philippine-Norway ties as 'warm and very productive' and expressed optimism about exploring new areas of cooperation. '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. He emphasized the importance of the Philippines' friendship with Norway amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
Netland highlighted that the two countries' friendship is founded on 'trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace, democracy, and international cooperation.' He pointed out opportunities to expand cooperation in the maritime sector, trade and 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 noted.
Meanwhile, Marcos welcomed Lee as the new South Korean ambassador and expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between the Philippines and South Korea would be further enhanced during the latter's tenure. He cited the two nations' existing cooperation on digital technology and the shipbuilding industry and expressed hope for exploring additional areas of partnership to promote peace and stability in the region.
Lee mentioned that Philippine-South Korean relations have continued to expand across political, economic, defense and security, law enforcement, and cultural areas. He conveyed South Korea's full support for the Philippines' chairship of this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations and reaffirmed Seoul's continued engagement with the regional bloc. 'As Ambassador, I will devote my utmost efforts to further strengthening this important relationship and to expanding our cooperation in ways that will bring tangible benefits to both our peoples,' he declared.
Following the credential ceremonies, Marcos held separate closed-door meetings with the two ambassadors. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Chief of Presidential Protocol Reichel Qui±ones, and other DFA officials attended the event.
