GOVPH

SFA Manalo Congratulates New Qatar PM

DOHA 16 March 2023 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs H.E. Enrique A. Manalo congratulated H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, on the latter’s appointment as Prime Minister.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar or instagram.com/phinqatar. END

PH Embassy Joins Call for the Full Implementation of the Doha Programme of Action at LDC5

DOHA 15 March 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Doha, along with the rest of the Philippine delegation, joined world leaders and relevant stakeholders at the 5th UN Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in reaffirming global support to LDCs through the full implementation of the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) in the coming decade.

DFA Undersecretary Carlos D. Sorreta, head of the Philippine delegation to LDC5, highlighted the important role the Philippines and other middle-income countries play in implementing the DPoA. (Doha PE photo)

Held on 5 to 9 March 2023 at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, the LDC5 Conference sought to rally support to LDCs by providing inroads for the promotion of sustainable development, as well as investments in heath, education, and other vital social services.

A middle-income country, the Philippines intends to bolster initiatives with LDCs through South-South and triangular cooperation on education, capacity-building, and technical cooperation.

The Philippine delegation also met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar on the margins of the conference to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on recent developments in regional and global affairs.

For more information, visit dohape.dfa.gov.ph, facebook.com/PHinQatar or instagram.com/phinqatar. END

PH Ambassador Presents Credentials to the Emir of Qatar

DOHA 23 February 2023 – H.E. Lillibeth V. Pono, the first female Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the State of Qatar, presented her Letter of Credence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, in a reception ceremony held at the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace) on 22 February 2023.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

The Emir welcomed Ambassador Pono to Qatar and wished her success in her role. He thanked Filipinos for their valuable contribution to Qatari society at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Emir also noted his interest in engaging with the new Philippine administration.

In response, Ambassador Pono conveyed the President of the Philippines’ warm greetings and best wishes to the Emir and the people of Qatar. She also underscored the Philippine Embassy’s commitment to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and boosting the economic and cultural cooperation between the two nations. Currently, about 260,000 Filipinos reside or work in Qatar, comprising the fourth largest migrant group in the peninsula.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono during the playing of “Lupang Hinirang” by the Army Musical Band 

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

As a gesture of goodwill and appreciation, Ambassador Pono gifted the Emir with “Panaghiusa,” a mixed-media art piece by Mindanao-based Manobo artist Carlito C. Amalla.

The presentation of credentials began with a procession from the Ambassador’s residence to Amiri Diwan, where she was received by the Commander of the Guard of Honor. Ambassador Pono’s presentation of her Letter of Credence to the Emir was preceded by the playing of “Lupang Hinirang” and “as-Salam al-Amiri,” the national anthems of the Philippines and Qatar, respectively, by the Army Musical Band during the inspection ceremony at the inner yard of the Amiri Diwan.

Ambassador Lillibeth V. Pono during the inspection ceremony at the inner yard of the Amiri Diwan

(Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs photo)

Ambassador Pono was accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Cassandra B. Sawadjaan, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Monica Remsy S. Calañgian, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jeffrey D. Batac during the ceremony. END