Envoy assures stronger PH-Norway ties

MANILA – Outgoing Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner assured stronger ties between the Philippines and Norway.

The free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association will “improve bilateral economic relations” and “boost trade between our two nations,” Forner said Monday.

He also vowed stronger bilateral cooperation in the maritime industry.

Norway is the sixth largest shipping nation in the world.

There are approximately 25,000 Filipino seafarers on board Norwegian vessels at any given time.

Moreover the Norwegian ambassador said he is “optimistic” the stalled peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the communist rebels “will be back on track very soon.”

Since 2001 Norway has been a third-party facilitator to the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

“Facilitating the peace process in the Philippines is both a challenging yet a rewarding task,” Forner said.

President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross Gold Distinction Award – the highest-ranking diplomatic merit given by the Philippines to individuals – to Forner on June 13.

“It is truly a great honor to receive the award from the President himself, and this is a beautiful exit for me after four fantastic years in the Philippines,” said Forner./PN