What began as a professional duty has become a chapter of my life that I will always cherish.
Coming from the land of icy fjords, crisp Arctic air, and Northern Lights, the warmth of the Philippine climate and its people was a change that I readily embraced. Apart from adjusting to the temperature, it was easy to feel at home here. My wife, daughter, and I were met with smiles and enduring hospitality from Filipinos at every turn. Our partners – many of whom turned dear friends – made the work meaningful and worth accomplishing.
In the first month of my diplomatic assignment, a Norwegian tall ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, docked at the Port of Manila. In many ways, I shared a similar journey with the Statsraad, representing our nations' strong maritime ties. My grandfather was a sailor, and growing up, I heard stories of life at sea, of resilience and sacrifice. Perhaps that is why this partnership is so close to my heart.
The maritime sector remains the core of Norway-Philippine relations. With one of the biggest and most technologically advanced fleets in the world and manned by more than 25,000 competent Filipino seafarers, together we are driving prosperity across the globe through trade. Our ships and Filipino seafarers are the very cogs and gears from which the machinery of the global economy operates and thrives.
As a trusted maritime partner, we’ve supported Filipinos through world-class trainings, capacity building, and scholarship programs conducted by the Norwegian Training Center in Manila. Looking ahead, our aim is to continue expanding this partnership towards shaping a greener, safer, and more sustainable maritime future.
Beyond cooperation at sea, our economic partnership continues to grow. The EFTA Free Trade Agreement facilitates trade between our two countries. During my time in the Philippines, I have experienced Norwegian businesses’ deepening interest in sectors such as renewable energy, seafood, and agriculture. At the same time, Norway’s development cooperation across the archipelago perseveres, supporting initiatives in climate action, disaster preparedness, ocean management, circular economy, and peacebuilding.
In 2023 the Philippine Government and the National Democratic Front signed an agreement in Oslo outlining a shared vision for peace and a pathway toward resolving a conflict that has endured for more than five decades. By promoting dialogue and trust-building approaches to peacebuilding, Norway has helped Filipino-led efforts toward reconciliation and lasting peace. This is also evident in our work in the consolidation of peace and stability in the Bangsamoro through decommissioning, promoting livelihood, and supporting community resilience. I am truly proud of Norway’s long-term dedication to peace and reconciliation in the Philippines.
In all these endeavours, what has guided our engagement with the Philippines is the Nordic approach to diplomacy that is rooted in dialogue, trust, and inclusivity. One of the greatest pleasures of serving in the Philippines has been the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life – government and business leaders, civil society, local communities, and the youth, among others. One cannot mistake how the bayanihan spirit is ingrained in everything they do, which reminds me of a similar concept in Norway, “dugnad”, referring to collective or communal work. Through openness, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen, we have built networks of trust that have strengthened cooperation between our countries and created new opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
Becoming Norway’s ambassador to the Philippines and Palau has been the highlight of my career so far. Thank you very much to each and every one of you.
These are the pasalubongs I will carry with me as I leave: memories of the Philippines and Filipinos, the shared achievements of partnership, lessons in peacebuilding, and a rich network of friends I am fortunate to have met along the way. While my tenure as Norway’s envoy to the Philippines is ending, I will continue being a friend of the Philippines and Filipinos all over the world.
I am certain I will find my way back here someday, but until then, I have these pasalubongs to inspire the stories I will share wherever life takes me next.
Maraming maraming salamat sa inyong lahat!
