13 October 2014 - For his distinguished service as ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines from 2009 to April 2014, the Philippine government awarded the Order of Sikatuna, Gold Cross, to Norwegian Ambassador Knut Solem at ceremonies held at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo on October 07.

Ambassador Solem acknowledges receipt of the award, the highest the Philippine government can give to a foreign ambassador. Present during the award ceremonies were Mrs. Audhild Solem, daughter Ann Kathrin and son-in-law Sten Nielsen. Also present to witness the event were Norwegian Foreign Affairs Director General for Asia Tore Hattrem, Deputy Director General Gunn Jorid Roset and Philippine Desk Officer Tone Helene Aarvik.

During his more than four years of tour of duty in Manila, Ambassador Solem played an important role in the conclusion of the Au Pair agreement between the Philippines and Norway, the creation of the Norway Philippines Business Council, the holding of the first bilateral consultations between the two countries, and the first-ever visit to the country of a foreign minister from Norway.

He was tireless in assisting the Philippine maritime industry and in the peace process with the National Democratic Front. His timely reporting of the effects of super typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda to Central Visayas led to the fast and generous assistance of the Norwegian government to the typhoon affected communities.

Ambassador Solem left Manila last April. He previously served as Norway’s ambassador to Mexico and Singapore. END