Outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Førner Calls on DFA Undersecretary Ernesto C. Abella

Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner calls on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay on 13 June 2018. (DFA photo)

MANILA 27 June 2018 – Outgoing Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Førner calls on Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Strategic Communications and Research Ernesto C. Abella at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay on 13 June 2018.

The Norwegian Ambassador completed his tour-of-duty in the Philippines on 15 June 2018, after almost four years as Norway’s top envoy in the country.

Ambassador Førner significantly contributed to the further strengthening of bilateral relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Norway. These include the conclusion of negotiations, signing and ratification of the Philippines-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Free Trade Agreement; his full support and cooperation towards successful consultations, meetings and high-level visits including that of former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. Del Rosario, to Oslo, Norway in 2015 and the visits of Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende to Manila in 2014 and 2016.

The Ambassador further facilitated the inauguration of the Norwegian Training Center Manila, which provides training for Filipino seafarers bound for Norwegian-flagged ships. As of 2017, there are an estimated 25,000 Filipino seafarers working on Norwegian vessels.

Later that day, Ambassador Førner paid a farewell call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and was conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu. END