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Manila Bulletin devider devider Duterte confers 'Sikatuna' to outgoing Norwegian envoy

Duterte confers 'Sikatuna' to outgoing Norwegian envoy

Published Jun 16, 2018 01:39 pm
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Amid ongoing talks to revive the peace negotiations between the government and the communist rebels, President Duterte conferred the Order of Sikatuna to outgoing Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner for his role in promoting peace in the Philippines. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulates outgoing Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner after the latter was conferred with the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu during his farewell call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on June 13, 2018. ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO President Rodrigo Roa Duterte congratulates outgoing Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Forner after the latter was conferred with the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu during his farewell call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on June 13, 2018. (ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/MANILA BULLETIN) In official Palace photos, Duterte conferred the recognition to Førner in a farewell call in Malacañang Wednesday evening. Førner was congratulated by Duterte as the President awarded the envoy with rank of Datu. According to Malacañang, Førner was recognized by Duterte for his efforts in furthering cooperation between Norway and the Philippines to advance peace, progress, and prosperity in the country and in the region. The award was also given for his steadfast involvement in the advancement of resource development in the Philippines, particularly in the maritime industry. The Order of Sikatuna is one of the highest diplomatic merit of the Philippines. It is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional and commendable services to the country. Førner, who served in the Philippines for four years, will move to Europe to become Norway’s Ambassador to Switzerland and the Vatican. According to Malacañang, Førner said that Norway is part of the recently ratified Philippines-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which entered into force in June 2018. Førner's farewell call came almost two months after Duterte decided to give the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) another try. Norway is the third-party facilitator in the peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the (CPP-NPA-NDF) since 2001. In January last year, Førner emphasized the importance of dialog and negotiations as essential part of the process even in circumstances of armed conflict and strong disagreement. He said that Norway is aware of the differences that the Philippine government and the communist rebels would have to overcome, but expressed confidence that both sides will be exerting their best efforts to move the process forward. As broker of the peace negotiations since 2001, Førner had also said that Norway's support will continue for a long term.
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