Doorway to growth: Norway deepens ties with Davao City

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines, H.E. Christian Halaas Lyster, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte on September 3, 2024, at Matina Enclaves to strengthen the cooperation between Norway and Davao City. The diplomatic ties between Davao and Norway will culminate in the opening of the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Davao City on September 4, 2024. Norway’s incoming Honorary Consul to Davao, Rosanna Tuason Forés, and Senior Business and Trade Advisor, Ms. Ana Maria Francesca Florentino accompanied the Ambassador.

During the courtesy meeting, H.E. Lyster commended Davao’s path to continued progress, citing the ongoing infrastructure projects around the city. The Norwegian Ambassador also shared his visit to Belviz Farms, which has collaborated with Norwegian fertilizer Yara; and to the DMMA College of Southern Philippines, the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association partner school for its cadet scholarship program. Norwegian shipping companies have sponsored 300 cadet scholars in DMMA. Mayor Duterte encouraged more Norwegian businesses to invest in Davao’s priority areas such as agriculture, agribusiness, and manufacturing. Likewise, the Ambassador expressed Norway’s involvement in the energy sector and suggested establishing floating solar farms in Davao’s lakes and canals to provide residents with clean energy.

H.E. Lyster conveyed Norway’s commitment to cooperating with regions outside of Metro Manila. Following the exchange, the Ambassador and incoming Honorary Consul Forés invited Mayor Duterte to attend the opening of the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Davao City on the following day at The Residences in Azuela Cove, Lanang, Davao City.