Norway’s Foreign Minister Børge Brende will make an official visit to the Philippines next week, after the island nation was ravaged by a typhoon late last year. More than 6,000 people died and millions were left homeless after Typhoon Haiyan struck on November 8.
The Foreign Ministry announced Brende would visit the devastated country from 7 – 9 January. The Norwegian government donated NOK 205 million (USD 33.3 million) in emergency aid, and charities, a fundraising march and concert raised NOK 22 million. Oslo has a large Filipino community, and thousands are employed by the shipping industry.
“The purpose for the trip is to get a personal insight of relief efforts,” said the ministry in a statement. “Norway has contributed NOK 205 million to relief and construction efforts.” Brende will meet with government and local authorities, Norwegian charity and industry organizations, Norwegian peace keepers and United Nations representatives.
newsinenglish.no staff
