“I had a very fruitful discussion last night with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Luannis Valinakis, the Head of the Greek Delegation to the 6th Asia-Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kildare, Ireland and we both recognized that it will clearly be to our mutual interest for Greece to open an embassy in Manila,” Secretary Albert said.

The Secretary said that she welcomed this decision and that she was looking forward to an early opening of the Greek embassy. “With many Filipinos serving on Greek-owned and Greek-flagged ships, having a Greek Embassy in Manila will help ensure that our seamen are properly regulated and will greatly reduce the risk that they will be victims of illegal recruiters,” she said.

“A Greek embassy in Manila will also greatly enhance our ability to work with the Greek government in ensuring the safety and welfare of our seamen, as well as all our Filipinos in Greece,” according to the Secretary.

The Secretary added that the plans of Greece to open an embassy in Manila is a clear sign of confidence in the Philippines. “The new government of Greece is eager to build stronger relations with Asia and they are looking to the Philippines to provide an important bridge,” she said.

“I am determined to do all that I can for our overseas Filipinos. This is a priority of the President and her administration,” the Secretary said.
 
“From Ireland, I will be proceeding to Oslo, Norway, another major employer of Filipino seamen. I will be meeting with government officials, ship owners and the Filipino community. One of my main objectives in Oslo is to pursue measures to further protect our seafarers and to be a strong advocate for their rights and welfare,” the Secretary added. END.