As Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen wrapped up his work trip in the Philippines and headed to Malaysia, he assured officials that he would not keep them waiting another 25 years for his next visit.
Over the past few days, Rasmussen engaged in discussions with Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, alongside high-level representatives from Danish companies and Philippine government officials. Anti-Red Tape Authority Director-General Ernesto Perez highlighted the agency’s achievements in enhancing the business environment in the Philippines.
The visit provided an excellent opportunity for the Danish Foreign Minister to learn about the success stories of Danish companies operating in the Philippines.
During the trip, both nations signed three key agreements to strengthen their bilateral ties:
- Letter of Intent on the sustainable recruitment of Filipino nurses and healthcare assistants to Denmark with the Department of Migrant Workers.
- Letter of Intent for a pre-feasibility study to establish a green corridor in the Philippines with the Department of Transportation.
- Memorandum of Understanding between Aprendio and the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) for creating a Green Skills Academy.
The healthcare agreement will complement the memorandum of understanding on technology cooperation, signed between the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology and Denmark’s Foreign Ministry, which covers cybersecurity and e-governance.
Both countries are also advancing agreements in defense, energy, and financial development cooperation.
Concluding the visit
In the spirit of the holidays, Danish Foreign Minister expressed Denmark’s renewed commitment as a reliable trade partner for the Philippines. The visit concluded with a traditional Danish celebration, including a candle lighting ceremony on the Christmas tree.
“As I told him earlier today, Foreign Minister Rasmussen’s visit elevates our relations to a higher level,” Manalo stated.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen concluded the visit with a promise to the Philippines: “I can assure you that we will revisit you earlier than that, so you don’t have to wait 25 years before I’m back.”
