City hosts welcome dinner for European Union delegation

THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro showed its Kagay-anon hospitality to the distinguished European Union (EU) Ambassadors and delegates through a welcome dinner held January 14, 2026 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel. 

The visiting delegation was led by H.E. Ambassador Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, together with the following ambassadors: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tòth – Embassy of Hungary; H.E. Ambassador Raduta Dana Matache – Embassy of Romania; H.E. Ambassador Marielle Geraedts – Embassy of the Netherlands; H.E. Ambassador Dr. Johan Brieger – Embassy of Austria; H.E. Ambassador Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin – Embassy of Denmark; and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Andreas Pfaffernoschke – Embassy of Germany.

H.E. Ambassador Marie Fontanel – Embassy of France, H.E. Ambassador Karel Hejc – Embassy of the Czech Republic, H.E. Ambassador Davide Giglio – Embassy of Italy, H.E. Ambassador Emma Hickey – Embassy of Ireland, H.E. Ambassador Saija Nurminen – Embassy of Finland, H.E. Ambassador Anna Ferry – Embassy of Sweden, H.E. Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova – Embassy of Belgium, Ms. Anna Krzak-Danel – Embassy of Poland, and Mr. Pedro Llinas – Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Spain were also present.

The ambassadors were accompanied by their spouses and key EU delegation officials, including Deputy Head of Mission Agata Nowicka, Political Officer Frederic Grillet, Programme Managers Alicia Louro Peña and Alix Wurdak, and Protocol Officer Michiko Quinto.

The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the EU and the city through meaning-making and discussions on areas such as governance, trade and investment opportunities, and collaboration in addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) through the tri-city justice system and the Special Justice Zone initiative.

CdeO's inclusion among the 20 cities in the Philippines being considered for potential EU cooperation is seen to open more opportunities for partnerships, technical exchanges, and development projects.

VM Bebot described the visit as a historic and significant step toward deepening diplomatic relations and advancing inclusive and sustainable growth for the city and its constituents. (JDO/SP)