Denmark celebrates 77 years of friendship with Phl reaffirms solidarity in maritime dispute

The Royal Danish Embassy in Manila recently celebrated Denmark Day 2023 and gathered together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, and distinguished guests to highlight the enduring partnership between Denmark and the Philippines.

During the celebration, Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael “Dan-Dan” Mellbin, emphasized the countries’ long history of cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and trade.

In his speech, Ambassador Dan-Dan called on all nations, especially the signatories to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to respect and support the Hague Tribunal’s ruling. On 12 July 2023, the Philippines will commemorate the 7th anniversary of the landmark arbitral decision that ruled in its favour.

“Unfortunately, the world is experiencing increasing geopolitical friction, uncertainty and an erosion of the international system which is critical for ensuring the Philippine people the stable economic and security environment,” Ambassador Dan-Dan noted. He also strongly reaffirmed that Denmark stands with EU partners in defense of a rules-based world order.

Aside from political cooperation, the longstanding Danish-Philippine relations is also anchored on a strong economic partnership.

Ambassador Dan-Dan highlighted Denmark’s top-notch competence and innovative culture as drivers of support for the Philippines and its development across various fronts.

“Danish companies have a lot to offer the Philippines on its quest towards economic growth and prosperity within areas such as agriculture, bio-medico, energy, digitalization, defense, sustainability, and the maritime sector,” said Ambassador Dan-Dan.

The event was also an opportunity to look back at the recent milestones of Danish-Philippine relations. Last April, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla led a Philippine delegation to Denmark to draw inspiration from Danish energy solutions. The Danish Embassy also partnered with the International Maritime Organization for a high-level conference on green shipping, gathering key stakeholders from 22 countries across Asia and the Pacific.

In his remarks, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega recognized the steadily growing bilateral trade and investments and strong people-to-people ties between Denmark and the Philippines.

“The Philippines’ warm and friendly relations with Denmark stretches as far back as seventy seven years ago, after we formalized diplomatic ties on 28 September 1946. Since then, our bilateral relations have witnessed consistent friendly exchanges and fruitful cooperation,” said Undersecretary De Vega.

The success of Denmark Day would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors, whose invaluable contributions made the event a resounding success: MAERSK, Novo Nordisk, BDO, Danfoss, TORM, Wills, AIDEA, Buhawind Energy Philippines, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, FILTRA Timber, Global Process Manager, LINDBERG, NIRAS, ARLA, Tulip, Pandora, LEGO, Philippine LEGO Users Group, Fritz Hansen, VIPP, Mattony, Bang & Olufsen, BoConcept, and HAY.

On the future of the relations between Denmark and the Philippines, Ambassador Dan-Dan underscored, “Still there is much work to do. Challenges to overcome. Reforms to implement. Solutions to be found. And in all this, the Danish Embassy is here for you; Danes and Filipinos alike. Together we can!”

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