GOVPH

His Highness the Amir Commends Filipinos’ Contribution to Qatar Progress

MANILA 21 April 2024 – The Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, lauded on Monday the Filipino community in the Arab nation for its contribution to the progress of his country.

“This is my pleasure to take this opportunity to praise the Filipino community residing in the State of Qatar and their effective contribution to the development, progress in our country,” Sheikh Tamim told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday.

Qatar is second home to over 270,000 Filipinos.

In 2022, remittances to the Philippines from Qatar amounted to USD 895.33 million.

Formal relations between the two countries span 43 years following formal establishment on 05 May 1981.

President Marcos and his Cabinet officials welcomed Sheikh Tamim.

Sheikh Tamim and President Marcos witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding that will further strengthen the relations between the Philippines and Qatar and increase their communication.

“The Philippines is an important partner for us in many fields and especially in trade, economic cooperation. And we aspired to improve these relations to increase communication between the private sector in both the countries,” the Amir said.

“I thank you once again, Your Excellency, and I wish your country, the Philippines continued progress and prosperity,” the Qatari Amir told President Marcos.

President Marcos said his discussion with Sheikh Tamim will translate into stronger collaboration in common fields of interest.

“I look forward to a fruitful and productive meeting with you today, with the hope that our discussion will open opportunities to improve and strengthen our bilateral relations at every level. At the commercial level, at the government-to-government level, at the people-to-people level,” President Marcos said during their meeting.

“This is our aspiration and I think that if we come to – if we agreed that this is the way to go, there is much potential that we can take advantage of,” President Marcos added. (Philippine News Agency)

Philippines, Qatar Ink Climate Change, Anti-trafficking Deals, 7 Others

MANILA 22 April 2024 – The Philippines and Qatar further strengthened their bilateral relations, signing on Monday nine new deals, including agreements on addressing climate change and human trafficking.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, witnessed the presentation of the newly-signed deals in Malacañang.

The new deals are as follows:

1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special or official passports;
   
   
2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in the field of sports;
   
   
3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in the field of youth;
   
   
4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in combating human trafficking;
   
   
5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on technical cooperation and capacity-building on climate change;
   
   
6. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar in the field of tourism and business events;
   
   
7. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates;
   
   
8. Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and
   
   
9. Memorandum of Understanding between the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Qatar’s Amir is currently in Manila for a two-day state visit, upon Marcos’ invitation.

In his opening message for their bilateral meeting, Marcos said he is hoping that their discussions will translate to stronger collaboration in common fields of interest.

For his part, the Qatari leader underscored the importance of the Philippines as a trade partner.

The Amir also praised the Filipino community in Qatar for their valuable contribution to the Arab nation’s development.

“This is my pleasure to take this opportunity to praise the Filipino community residing in the State of Qatar and their effective contribution to the development progress in our country. I thank you once again, Your Excellency and I wish your country, the Philippines continued progress and prosperity,” he said.

The Philippines and Qatar established diplomatic relations in May 1981.

The Arab country hosts some 270,000 Filipinos and is one of the top destinations for Filipino migrant workers in the Middle East. (Philippine News Agency)

His Highness the Amir Arrives in Manila for 2-day State Visit; Elevated PH-Qatar Ties Seen

MANILA 21 April 2024 – Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani’s State Visit to the Philippines will serve as a “springboard” for the elevation of ties between the four-decade-old partners, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

DFA Assistant Secretary for Middle East Affairs Mardomel Celo Melicor said the Philippines and Qatar already enjoy “cordial and vibrant” bilateral relations.

He said the state visit on Sunday and Monday can ramp up trade, investment, food security and tourism cooperation, among others.

For more than four decades, the two countries successfully established productive partnerships in the field of labor and development.

Enhanced socio-economic and cultural collaborations are also being actively pursued, Melicor said.

He said Doha and Manila share common interests, hold similar positions on many issues, and have supported each other in multilateral fora.

“In enriching the enduring people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Qatar, there are initiatives to explore possible engagements in culture, education and sports,” Melicor said.

“There are also efforts to broaden the two countries’ existing fields of cooperation to encompass agriculture, climate change, and energy security, among others,” he added.

Qataris, he noted, are being invited to participate in economic sectors that have recently been opened to foreign investors.

The Amir will hold a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cabinet secretaries to discuss political relations and the strengthening of economic and socio-cultural ties.

The Amir and the President will also be witnessing the signing of several bilateral agreements in various fields, including climate change, consular matters and the youth.

Qatar hosts approximately 273,000 Filipino nationals and is one of the top destinations for land-based Filipino workers in the Middle East.

“Its economic diversification blueprint, forming part of the National Vision 2030, helped elevate the country towards its current position as among the region's most influential,” Melicor said.

“The Philippines also recognizes Qatar's active efforts to preserve and strengthen a rules-based international order,” he added. (Philippine News Agency)