The Philippines and Sweden seek to strengthen their collaboration on environmental protection and explore ways to accelerate the latter’s green transition.

Swedish Ambassador to Manila Annika Thunborg said Tuesday night Stockholm’s priorities are well aligned with that of the Marcos administration, where security, rule of law, and green transition top the list.

“It’s a sign of our kindred spirits how well these priorities also equal those of President (Ferdinand) Marcos and the Philippines and they are well in line with how we in Team Sweden engage here in the Philippines,” Thunborg said during the Sweden National Day reception in Taguig City.

“We need safe and secure borders to build socio-economically sustainable societies. We need the international rules-based system to preserve our planet for future generations. And we need the green transition to build peace and stability. Everything is connected and Sweden has a lot to offer in these areas.”

Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said Manila regards Sweden as an important partner given its position as one of the countries leading the charge on green and energy transition.

Yulo-Loyzaga said the government banks on this partnership to reach as soon as possible the goals in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, specifically to improve the country’s resilience against natural hazards and climate change.

“The Philippines and Sweden have had a long history of collaborative partnerships in the management of our forests, coastal areas, and coral reefs,” she said.

“At this turning point of our planet’s future, we look forward to deepening our partnership as we work towards a just transition in our respective journeys towards building both green and blue economies.”

Under the PDP, Manila aims to adopt low-carbon technologies that preserve and enhance biodiversity and ecosystems from ridge to reef; achieve smart consumption and production; develop renewable energy; and promote sustainable ecotourism, among others.

Yulo-Loyzaga also emphasized that collaboration is the only way to reach the global goal of net zero or the cutting of greenhouse gas emissions close to zero by 2050.

“The bold leadership and unwavering commitment of Sweden in the areas of environmental protection, sustainable production and consumption, ecological innovation, minerals development, and climate action are what we value the most in this friendship,” she said.

‘Long-term partnership’

Aside from addressing climate change and environmental protection, Sweden and the Philippines are engaged in various areas of cooperation.

Since the reopening of the Swedish Embassy in Manila in 2016, exchanges between the two nations grew and opened up opportunities to increase interactions in the areas of trade, maritime, energy, defense, and science and technology.

In 2023, the two countries convened their fifth round of political consultation in Stockholm and also saw a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Swedish counterpart Tobias Billström.

Last month, Sweden’s Foreign Trade Minister Johan Forssell also conducted a two-day high-level mission to explore potential investments in the country.

“These engagements have provided us with opportunities to take stock of the areas of engagement that we affirm our commitment to further advance our relationship,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.

“We look forward to a long-term partnership between the Philippines and Sweden as we continue to deepen our engagement in energy, trade, infrastructure, green transition, development cooperation, and defense.” (PNA)