28 November 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) Director General Mr. Kevin Casas-Zamora and his Chief-of-Staff Adina Trunk on 23 November 2023 at the Chancery.
Both sides discussed the Philippines’ membership in the international organization, as well as possible future activities that may be co-organized by the Philippines and International IDEA covering topics of gender equality, overseas voting, and climate change.
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports democracy worldwide. The organization’s vision, mission and mandate is to advance democracy worldwide, as a universal human aspiration and an enabler of sustainable development, through support to the building, strengthening and safeguarding of democratic political institutions processes at all levels. END.
28 November 2023 - H.E Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta, together with other members of the diplomatic corps in Stockholm visited Halland, Sweden on 21 - 22 November 2023.
The trip was organized by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs - Protocol Department, as part of the activities arranged for members of the diplomatic corps for the latter to meet with key economic sectors and visit cultural places in various parts of Sweden.
The diplomatic corps visited Halmstad University which is at the forefront of several fields of knowledge, including health innovation, intelligent vehicles, AI and “Smart Cities and Communities”. The university has a well-developed cooperation and exchange programme with the business community and the Swedish Armed Forces Technical School (FMTS) in Halmstad, a centre of excellence for technical services within the armed forces.
Halland is also known for its genuine and award-winning food culture as well as a long tradition of agriculture and food production. The diplomatic corps had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Berte Qvarn and Viking Malt, both of which contribute greatly to this ongoing development of the agricultural and food production of Halland.
Meetings were also arranged with HMS Networks, whose products “enable industrial equipment to communicate and share information”; OdinWell, that “makes it possible to accurately assess the healing state of a wound below the protective barrier of a dressing”; and Isobetong, that produces biotechnologically “lightweight infill / insulation is manufactured in mobile factories by adding cement, air, and water”.
Members of the diplomatic corps also had the opportunity to visit Halmstad Slott /Tjolōhom Slott (castle), which is the official residence of the Governor of Halland County.
Halland is a county on the western coast of Sweden. There is a proud tradition of entrepreneurship and close collaboration between academia, business and the public secto in the region. The team spirit and geography contribute to a dynamic business climate brimming with progress and optimism. END.
04 December 2023, Stockholm - Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta met with Mr. Lars Höglund, owner and CEO of Furetank on 30 November 2023, in Gothenburg, Sweden. During their discussions, it was noted that PH seafarers make up 25% of the global maritime/shipping crew and officers
Furetank has the most environmentally-friendly tankers in the world with its use of LNG as fuel for its vessels and which has resulted in a 50% increased fuel efficiency by 50% for its vessels. Mr. Höglund shared the experience of Furetank in employing over over 200 Filipino seafarers, many of whom have been working in Furetank’s vessels since 1998. He conveyed his appreciation for his Filipino workers, whom he considers friends and family.
Also present during the meeting were Consul David Kristensson, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
04 December 2023, Stockholm - During a visit to Gothenburg, Ambassador Maria Lumen B. Isleta took the opportunity to visit the warehouse of Filipiniana AB on 30 November 2023, where she met with owners - Mr. Ariel Isip, an Ateneo de Manila University alumni, his wife, Ulrika, and brother-in-law Mr. Fredrik Kjellberg.
Filipinana AB was started 29 years ago In Sweden, which started off selling paper maché and woodcraft from Paete, Laguna and Banaue, Ifugao. Currently, the company supplies items and ornaments to the biggest amusement park in Gothenburg, several Swedish museums, a coffee chain store in Sweden, flower shops, and exclusive interior design stores in the Nordic region and Northern Europe.
Filipiniana AB also participates in expositions in the Nordics and Northern Europe area, including the upcoming Formex in Stockholm on 16-18 January 2024.
Also present during the meeting were Consul David Kristenssion, a.h. and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Pat Lester F. Solosa. END.
