Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and H.E. Christian Halas Lyster, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines (Photo by OVP MPRD) MANDALUYONG CITY, 25 January 2023 – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte received the Norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Christian Halaas Lyster, in a courtesy call today at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) Central Office in Mandaluyong City.

During the call, the Norwegian Ambassador discussed the Norwegian Government’s initiatives in the fields of peace and security, renewable energy, and education. Ambassador Lyster likewise acknowledged the quality of the Filipino labor force and recognized the role of the Filipino seafarers and their significant contribution to Norway's maritime industry.

L-R: DFA Asst. Dir. Catherine Alpay, OVP Usec. Zuleika T. Lopez, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, Mr. Geir Michalsen, Academic Officer of the Danish Embassy (Photo by OVP MPRD) The Vice President had the opportunity to share with Ambassador Lyster the Basic Education Development Plan 2023 of the Department of Education, a project started by the previous administration under the auspices of then Education Secretary Leonor Briones. Vice President Duterte likewise discussed the challenges surrounding the country's education sector and the Marcos administration's proposed strategies.

The Danish Ambassador also noted the significant milestone in the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Norway as the two countries celebrate their 75th anniversary this year.