President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors from Norway and South Korea on Tuesday, September 8, expressing his desire to deepen bilateral partnerships with both countries.
During separate ceremonies at Malacañang, the Chief Executive formally accepted the credentials of Norwegian Ambassador Kristian Netland and South Korean Ambassador Lee Dong-gy.
Describing ties between Manila and Oslo as “warm and very productive,” Marcos emphasized the potential for growth.
“I think that there are many, many areas that we can continue to pursue and new areas that we can explore and develop,” Marcos stated.
He noted that maintaining strong relations with Norway is increasingly vital amid global instability.
“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,” the President added.
In response, Netland highlighted the long-standing goodwill between the two nations built on shared values.
The Norwegian envoy identified maritime affairs, commerce, investments, education, innovation, sustainable development, and green energy transition as key sectors for collaboration.
“Norwegian companies have been present in the Philippines for decades, contributing with expertise, technology, and jobs,” Netland remarked.
“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.
Following the ceremony, Marcos and Netland held a private bilateral meeting.
Later, in his meeting with Ambassador Lee, Marcos expressed confidence that the Strategic Partnership between Manila and Seoul would flourish further.
“As we know, the relations between our two countries have been very, very strong and very, very close for many, many years… I look forward to the work that we will do here together in the time you have here in Manila and in the Philippines as Ambassador,” Marcos told Lee.
The President cited digital technology, shipbuilding, and regional peace as key sectors for expanded collaboration.
Ambassador Lee reaffirmed the deep-seated relationship between the two nations.
Lee noted that bilateral ties now encompass politics, economics, defense, security, law enforcement, and culture, while pledging full South Korean support for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship.
“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,” Lee said.
The presentation concluded with a private meeting between Marcos and the South Korean diplomat.