COURTESY VISIT. During his visit to the Philippine Coast Guard headquarters in Manila on December 9, 2024, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen engaged with the local media. He emphasized that Denmark, upon joining the United Nations Security Council, will prioritize the enforcement of international maritime laws to tackle issues like freedom of navigation. (Photo by PNA)
MANILA – On Monday, the Danish Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, visited the Philippine Coast Guard to discuss the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, especially in light of Denmark’s upcoming role in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Rasmussen highlighted the significance of his visit, noting Denmark’s status as a major maritime nation and the critical importance of navigational freedom for global trade and security.
He expressed concerns about the Philippine Coast Guard’s encounters with the China Coast Guard and the broader situation in the Red Sea involving Houthi rebels.
“My purpose here is to directly observe the challenges the Philippines faces in maintaining its territorial integrity and to learn about the incidents involving the China Coast Guard, and discuss potential solutions,” Rasmussen stated.
This visit marks the first official trip by a Danish Foreign Affairs Minister to the Philippines in 25 years. Rasmussen was updated on the maritime tensions, including the use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard against Philippine vessels.
He discussed the possibility of using international platforms to enforce maritime conventions on all nations, including China. Rasmussen also mentioned Denmark’s participation in a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea to address the Houthi situation, though he clarified that no similar operational involvement is planned in the Philippines.
Denmark, along with Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia, was elected to the UNSC in June, replacing Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland, with their terms starting January 1, 2025.
During his visit, Rasmussen also met with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. They agreed on several initiatives, including reskilling Filipino seafarers, promoting renewable energy, and potential coast guard collaborations.
Manalo noted Denmark’s interest in Filipino healthcare workers and the intention to establish a bilateral agreement for ethical recruitment and sustainable training.
The two diplomats also discussed regional and international issues, with Rasmussen expressing Denmark’s support for the 2016 Arbitral Award and its commitment to a rules-based international order. They shared concerns about peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine regions.