MANILA 08 May 2025 – The Philippines and Qatar convened the 2nd Joint Consultation Meeting on Political Matters at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila.

The Philippine delegation was led by the Honorable Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, DFA Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, while the Qatari delegation was headed by His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Hassen M.A. Alhammadi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.

The high-level meeting reviewed the progress of the countries’ cooperation on political and economic matters, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, health, education, youth, sports, and tourism. Possible exchanges of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed.

The heads of the two delegations also had a candid exchange of views on matters affecting their respective regions.

After the meeting, Undersecretary Lazaro and Secretary General Alhammadi signed an aide memoire affirming the readiness of both sides to further strengthen bilateral relations and outlining the concrete steps to take to give effect to existing partnerships.

The political consultations serve as the primary dialogue mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The third bilateral consultations will be hosted by the Qatari side. (Department of Foreign Affairs)