Ang Pahayagan

SUBIC, Zambales — The Philippines and Denmark marked 80 years of diplomatic relations with the launch of a commemorative logo during a ceremony held at a Philippine Navy base in Subic.

Officials from both countries attended the event to celebrate the long-standing partnership between the two nations, highlighting cooperation in maritime affairs, trade, sustainability, and people-to-people ties.

Danish Ambassador to the Philippines Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin said Denmark was among the first countries to recognize the Philippines after World War II, noting that both nations were founding members of the United Nations.

“Although separated by vast oceans, we share strong connections and common interests,” Mellbin said.

His Excellency Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines, gestures as he responds to questions from the media during the ceremonial launch of the commemorative logo marking 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Denmark. (Ang Pahayagan photo)

Rear Admiral Juario Marayag of the Philippine Navy said the celebration reflects the strong relationship between the two countries, especially in promoting maritime security and cooperation.

“The seas connect us and support the prosperity of our nations,” Marayag said, adding that Denmark remains an important maritime partner of the Philippines.

Department of Foreign Affairs Office of European Affairs Director Ferdinand Flores also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Denmark.

Flores said the partnership has grown to include maritime cooperation, trade and investment, renewable energy, and climate action.

The commemorative logo, launched during the ceremony, symbolizes the two nations’ shared commitment to continued cooperation in sustainable development, maritime security, and economic growth.

His Excellency Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin (center), Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines, shares a light moment with Juario Marayag, Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command of the Philippine Navy, and Ferdinand Flores of the Department of Foreign Affairs during the ceremonial launch of the commemorative logo marking 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Denmark. (Ang Pahayagan photo) 

The Philippines and Denmark established diplomatic relations in 1946.

TOP 📸: His Excellency Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin (center, atop a platform), Ambassador of Denmark to the Philippines, joins Juario Marayag, Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command of the Philippine Navy, and Ferdinand Flores of the Department of Foreign Affairs for a souvenir photo following the ceremonial launch of the commemorative logo marking 80 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Denmark on Tuesday, April 7, at a Philippine Navy base in Subic, Zambales. Also in the photo are the Ambassador’s wife, Eva Fisher Mellbin; Bases Conversion and Development Authority Vice President for Investment and Marketing Erwin Kenneth Peralta; Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Senior Deputy Administrator for Business and Investment Renato Lee III; and SBMA Department Managers Panfilo Jurilla and Karen Magno.(Text and photos for Ang Pahayagan / JUN DUMAGUING)