60 years of Philippine-Norway Diplomatic Relations

I warmly welcome the closer cooperation that has developed between Norway and the Philippines. The establishment of a permanent Philippine Embassy in Norway in the autumn of 2007 was an important step in this regard. The Embassy has already provided new impetus for strengthening our relations in a number of areas. On the political level, there is close contact, built on a shared belief in democracy and universal human rights. Norway has also been involved in the efforts to bring about lasting peace in the Philippines.

Our two countries have a long tradition of cooperation in the maritime field, where we have complementary competences and resources. In order to further develop trade and commercial ties, a number of Norwegian companies are also joining forces with Filipino partners in other areas. Last year, we saw the largest Norwegian investment in the Philippines ever, with the purchase of the Magat and Ambuklao & Binga hydroelectric power plants by SN Power and its Philippine partner, the Aboitiz group.

As our political and economic relations have developed over the years, so too has people-to-people contact, through a vibrant cultural exchange. The plays of the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen have resonated with Filipino audiences. Last year, the music of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg was performed by concert pianist Cristine Coyiuto and the Manila Symphony Orchestra in many venues throughout the Philippines. I am also pleased to learn that many Filipinos enjoy listening to the Norwegian pop group D’Sound both at live concerts and on the radio.

Last year, the citizens of Oslo had the opportunity to hear the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, who won the 2007 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing. As we celebrate 60 years of bilateral relations, we are now invited to enjoy more of what the rich Philippine culture has to offer, with a performance by the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company and an exhibition of work by Filipino artist Manuel Baldemar.

We are greatly looking forward to these events, as well as to continued Norwegian–Filipino cooperation in the years ahead. 

Jonas Gahr Støre
Minister of Foreign Affairs
10 March 2008