Norwegian Prime Minister praises Philippine Government's efforts for Filipino seafarers

Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg praised the ongoing reforms being done in the Philippines including the efforts being done by the government to pass the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) of the European Commission said Philippine President Benigno Aquino III after he came back to the Philippines after the 9th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Laos last month.

During the meeting, Norway pledged their support to the Philippines and help the country to pass the European Union Maritime Audit.

Currently, there are around 17,500 Filipinos manning Norwegian owned and managed ships. This has propelled the growth of Norwegian training centres set up in the Philippines.

President Aquino also said that aside from Norway’s need for Filipino seafarers, the country is also looking to fill the vacancies in their Medical Sector that the Philippines can capitalize on.

Aquino also secured an assurance from Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg that he would support the Philippines’ efforts to land better jobs for Filipino migrant workers. 50 other leaders joined President Aquino and Prime Minister Stoltenberg during the two-day event held Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.