Norwegian envoy eyes sister-city  ties with Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Halaas Lyster is exploring the possibility of establishing sister-city ties between Cebu City and a Norwegian counterpart, following a productive exchange of ideas with Mayor-elect Nestor Archival. The discussion touched on key sectors such as the maritime industry, agriculture, and renewable energy.

During his recent visit to Cebu, Ambassador Lyster paid a courtesy call on Archival. According to the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the discussions could help propel Cebu City toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.

The City’s Public Information Office reported that Lyster was accompanied by University of Cebu Chairman Atty. Augusto Go. The group discussed strengthening ties in the maritime sector, acknowledging that the Philippines is the world's leading supplier of seafarers. UC is one of the institutions offering maritime education in the country.

In his Independence Day message to Filipinos, especially to seafarers, Lyster shared that about 60% of the seafarers in Norway’s shipping industry are Filipinos.

“Our strong, very kind partnership plays a crucial role in facilitating global trade,” Ambassador Lyster said.

Lyster and Archival also discussed renewable energy initiatives, including floating solar technologies, and ways to improve water and power supply systems.

Environmental issues were also part of the agenda, including policies such as banning single-use plastics and promoting the use of reusable tumblers in schools.

Other topics of discussion included support for Cebu’s agriculture sector and potential collaboration in areas such as food security, education, health, waste management, energy, water, and traffic management—sectors that Archival identified as top priorities of his incoming administration.

 Lyster expressed interest in formalizing sister-city ties and expanding maritime cooperation.

Archival welcomed the initiative and said he looks forward to building strong partnerships with Norway in the coming years.

In addition to his meetings, Ambassador Lyster was also the guest speaker at the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue’s (UCLM) 2025 Graduation and Recognition Ceremony. He addressed more than 600 cadets, including 73 distinguished cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) program.

Lyster highlighted the 35th anniversary of the Norwegian Training Center and the UC-NSA Cadet Program—a milestone he said exemplifies the two countries’ shared commitment to maritime excellence, rooted in integrity, innovation, and a global vision to uplift the maritime industry.

The ambassador also met with members of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Cebu during the Philippines-Norway Partnership Forum and visited the shipbuilding industry in Balamban.

Since 1994, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (THI) in Balamban has produced 14 vessels for Norway.

“Their commitment to excellence has not only resulted in world-class ships but also significantly contributed to local employment and economic development,” the Royal Norwegian Embassy stated. FPL (CEBU NEWS)