Denmark to reopen Manila embassy

Photo from denmark.dk

Denmark is set to reopen its embassy in Manila this year, re-establishing its presence in the Philippines 12 years since it shut down its mission in 2002.

The Danish government made the announcement in Copenhagen as part of its plan to open embassies in three countries this year, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

Nicolai Ruge, Denmark’s nonresident ambassador to the Philippines based in Kuala Lumpur, relayed the news to DFA Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson on Thursday.

“The reopening of the Danish Embassy provides recognition of the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in many fields between the Philippines and Denmark,” the DFA said in a statement yesterday.

Ruge first aired the possibility of re-establishing Denmark’s permanent presence in the Philippines in June last year during the commemoration of the Danish Constitution Day in Makati City.

The ambassador also spoke about renewed interest among Danish investors in the Philippines given the country’s reforming political and business climate, particularly the improving economy.

The Philippines established relations with Denmark in 1946, and bilateral ties have remained “very cordial and strong,” particularly in the maritime sector, the DFA said.

Some 5,000 Filipino seafarers currently work aboard ships managed, operated or owned by Danes, while some 10,500 more are employed in land-based jobs, mostly as nannies or in the service industry.

Total bilateral trade between the Philippines and Denmark was estimated at $107 million in 2012, per DFA figures.

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