Philippines, Iceland Hold Inaugural Bilateral Consultations at Sidelines of UN General Assembly Meeting in New York 

DFA-Office of European Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Lenna Eilleen C. De Dios-Sison (right) co-chairs the inaugural PH-Iceland Bilateral Consultations with Iceland Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Permanent Secretary Ambassador Bergdis Ellertsdottir (left).

NEW YORK 10 October 2024 – The Philippines and Iceland held the inaugural bilateral consultations at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York, marking this year the 25th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations. 

DFA-Office of European Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) Lenna Eilleen C. De Dios-Sison led the Philippine delegation while the Iceland Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Deputy Permanent Secretary and Ambassador Bergdis Ellertsdottir led the Iceland delegation. During the consultations, both delegations had the opportunity to review the current state of bilateral relations, identify areas of potential sectoral cooperation, and exchange views on regional and multilateral issues.  

DAS De Dios-Sison noted that the past few years of the PH-Iceland relations have been equally interesting and reassuring; and that the two countries are like-minded partners, bound by shared values of democracy, and commitment to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law. She also expressed optimism in moving forward the partnership and cited promising areas of cooperation including volcanology, geothermal energy, and fisheries. 

On the other hand, Ambassador Ellertsdottir thanked the Philippines for taking the initiative to hold the inaugural consultations as an opportunity for both sides to learn more about each other’s political and economic situations. She added that the Philippines and Iceland have many things in common, including shared challenges such as climate change. She also noted that both countries have a strong tradition of people-to-people relations, with many Filipinos residing in Iceland and contributing to the local economy and the society, especially in the healthcare sector.

Concluding the consultations, DAS De Dios-Sison emphasized that the strength of any bilateral relationship among like-minded partners lies in the continuous and relevant dialogue and cooperation on practical sectors. Ambassador Ellertsdottie expressed optimism in the opportunities in the bilateral relations and described the consultations as a ‘beautiful beginning’ in the overall relations of the Philippines and Iceland. END

From left to right: Third Secretary Merced, Special Assistant Lazaro, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Lenna Eilleen C. De Dios-Sison stand next to Ambassador Bergdis Ellertsdottir and Director Davíð Logi Sigurðsson