Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen will visit the Philippines beginning tomorrow until 10 December, marking the first visit by a Danish foreign minister in 25 years, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday.

The visit is seen as a significant milestone in the 78-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries and is expected to further enhance cooperation in several key sectors vital to the country’s growth and security.

During his visit, Rasmussen will meet with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Their discussions will focus on advancing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, green transition, and people-to-people ties.

The two officials will also exchange views on how the Philippines and Denmark can collaborate more effectively on regional and international issues, particularly with the shared goal of promoting peace, stability, and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

In particular, the Philippines stands to benefit from the strengthened partnership in areas such as green shipping, which is crucial to the country’s efforts to meet international environmental standards and reduce carbon emissions in its shipping industry.

"To promote closer bilateral relations between the Philippines and Denmark, the minister's meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo will focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade and investments, maritime cooperation, green shipping, green transition, health, financial and development cooperation, and people-to-people links," the DFA said.

Maritime security in the cards

The two countries are also expected to discuss maritime security, as the Philippines faces growing challenges in the South China Sea, an issue that Denmark has publicly supported, particularly following China’s recent aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

The Danish Embassy in Manila joined the European Union and other nations in condemning China’s recent aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, a critical issue for the Philippines.

Denmark’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, expressed his concern over China’s actions, which directly threaten the Philippines’ sovereignty in the region.

"Deeply concerned at China's continued aggressive actions against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea. China's actions undermine the Law of the Seas, UNCLOS, and maritime safety," Ambassador Mellbin said on X.

On the economic side, the Philippines has recently lifted a nearly two-year ban on poultry imports from Denmark this month, which is expected to further strengthen trade ties between the two countries.

The lifting of the ban followed confirmation from Danish authorities that the avian influenza outbreak in Denmark has been fully resolved.