28 July 2016 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr., met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Børge Brende on the sidelines of the 49th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Vientiane, Laos PDR on 25 July 2016.
Norway has been a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN since 4 August 2015, in recognition of Norway’s significant engagement with ASEAN in the political-security, socio-cultural and development sectors. Norway supported the conduct of the Philippines initiative under the framework of the ASEAN Institute of Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR), namely the Role of Women in Peace and Reconciliation Processes and The Situation of Women and Children in Conflict Situations.
During the bilateral meeting, Secretary Yasay expressed his appreciation for Norway’s active involvement and support in the Philippine peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Party/National Democratic Front. FM Brende reaffirmed Norway’s continued support for the Philippine government’s efforts towards the attainment of a just andlasting peace in the country. Since 2001, Norway has played a significant role as third party facilitator in the peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP/NPA/NDF, and has supported the recent informal and exploratory talks led by OPAPP Secretary Jesus Dureza and CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison last 14-15 June 2016 in Oslo. The next round of peace talks is expected to take place again in Oslo.
Secretary Yasay and FM Brende also discussed the long tradition of bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector where the Philippines and Norway have complementary competences and resources. Norwegian ship owners employ more than 25,000 Filipino seafarers in shipyards or on board Norwegian owned or controlled vessels. Meanwhile, Filipino maritime students benefit from the education and training provided by Norwegian maritime training schools, including the Norwegian Training Center in Manila, established by the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) in 1990.
FM Brende informed Secretary Yasay of his plans to come to the Philippines to visit the expanded and upgraded training center in Manila, which now has top of the line facilities and equipment, including a highly advanced and sophisticated ship simulator. The Minister also mentioned his plans to bring with him a business delegation to further promote trade and investment relations between the two countries.
On the issue of the South China Sea, Secretary Yasay updated FM Brende on the results of the Arbitral Tribunal decision and the possible way forward, while the latter expressed Norway’s support for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
As the meeting drew to a close, the two Ministers reiterated their commitment to enhance further the warm relations and strong cooperation between the Philippines and Norway, both in the bilateral and multilateral fora. END