Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero recently received Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster in a courtesy visit at the Senate.
Reflecting history of Philippines-Norway bilateral cooperation, the discussions of the two officials covered areas such as renewable energy and circular economy, agriculture, food security, and the maritime sector, among others.
Senate President Escudero also outlined priority bills aligned with Norway’s interests, including the imposition of excise tax on single-use plastics, the development of downstream natural gas industry, and the provision for long-term land lease to foreigners.
Ambassador Lyster likewise congratulated the Senate President on the passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which institutionalizes the rights of Filipino seafarers—25,000 of whom are sailing on Norwegian vessels.
Both discussed the upcoming national elections in 2025. They also underscored the significance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) election, as Norway has consistently supported the government’s efforts to sustain peace and development in this region.
