DENMARK CELEBRATES PHILIPPINE RELATIONS, REAFFIRMS SOLIDARITY ON MARITIME DISPUTE

MANILA, Philippines – The Royal Danish Embassy in Manila recently celebrated Denmark Day 2023 that brought together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and distinguished guests to showcase the enduring partnership between Denmark and the Philippines.

During the event, Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin, emphasized the countries’ long history of cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and trade.

In his speech, the ambassador called on all nations, especially the signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to respect and support the relations is also anchored on a strong economic partnership. The ambassador highlighted Denmark’s top-notch competence and innovative culture as drivers of support for the Philippines and its development across various fronts.

“Danish companies have a lot to offer the Philippines on its quest towards economic growth and prosperity within areas such as agriculture, bio-medico, energy, digitalization, defense, sustainability, and the maritime sector,” said Mellbin. The event was also an opportunity to look back at the recent milestones of Danish-Philippine relations. Last April, the Department of Energy “The Philippines’ warm and friendly relations with Denmark stretches as far back as 77 years ago, after we formalized diplomatic ties on September 28, 1946. Since then, our bilateral relations have witnessed consistent friendly exchanges and fruitful cooperation,” De Vega said.

The success of Denmark Day would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors, whose invaluable contributions made the event a resounding success: Maersk, Novo Nordisk, BDO, Danfoss, TORM, Wills, AIDEA, Buhawind Energy Hague Tribunal’s ruling. On July 12, the Philippines commemorated the 7th anniversary of the landmark arbitral decision that ruled in its favour.  “Unfortunately, the world is experiencing increasing geopolitical friction, uncertainty and an erosion of the international system which is critical for ensuring the Philippine people a stable economic and security environment,” Mellbin noted. He also strongly reaffirmed that Denmark stands with EU partners in defense of a rules-based world order. Aside from political cooperation, the longstanding Danish-Philippine  (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla led a Philippine delegation to Denmark to draw inspiration from Danish energy solutions. The Danish Embassy also partnered with the International Maritime Organization for a high- level conference on green shipping, gathering key stakeholders from 22 countries across Asia and the Pacific.

In his remarks, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega recognized the steadily growing bilateral trade and investments and strong people-to- people ties between Denmark and the Philippines. Philippines, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, FILTRA Timber, Global Process Manager, LINDBERG, NIRAS, ARLA, Tulip, Pandora, LEGO, Philippine LEGO Users Group, Fritz Hansen, VIPP, Mattony, Bang & Olufsen, BoConcept, and HAY.  On the future of the relations between Denmark and the Philippines, Mellbin underscored, “Still there is much work to do. Challenges to overcome. Reforms to implement. Solutions to be found. And in all this, the Danish Embassy is here for you; Danes and Filipinos alike. Together we can!”