Manila, 22 Apr 2024 (PNA)

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 Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, witnessed the presentation of the newly-signed deals in Malacañang. Among these include 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; MoU on cooperation in the field of Sports; Youth; in combating Human Trafficking;  technical cooperation and capacity-building on Climate Change; Tourism and Business events; on mutual recognition of Seafarers’ Certificates; Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Memorandum of Understanding between the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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.

QNA reported that Amir of Qatar expressed pleasure at visiting the Republic of the Philippines, at the invitation of the Philippine President, praising the warm reception and hospitality accorded to HH and the accompanying delegation.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani highlighted the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries, noting that the talks with the President of the Philippines will contribute to promoting and developing the cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields and at all levels, through increased coordination and communication between businessmen and the joint committees concerned with trade and economic cooperation, in order to fulfill the aspirations of both friendly peoples for the desired integration in all areas.

HH praised the Filipino community in the State of Qatar and its effective contribution to the development process in the country.

During the session, the two sides discussed aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries and ways of promoting and developing them, in addition to the most prominent regional and international issues of common concern.

The session was attended by Chief of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani; Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al-Thani; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi; and members of the official delegation.

On the Philippine side, the session was attended by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo; Executive Secretary of the President of the Philippines Lucas Bersamin; Secretary of Trade Alfredo Pascual; Secretary of Tourism Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco; Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Maria Antonio Yulo Loyzaga; Secretary of Energy Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla; Secretary of Presidential Communications Cheloy Garafil; and high-ranking officials.

HH 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 a continued progress and prosperity,” he said.

The Philippines and Qatar established diplomatic relations in May 1981.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi signed the MOU. Frasco defined the move as a ‘wealth of opportunities for growth as both countries explore new avenues for collaboration’.

“Under the Marcos administration, we are reintroducing the Philippines to the world on the strength of our Filipino culture, heritage, and identity, and we view our partnership with Qatar as being an important part of this movement,” she added.

It is also expected to solidify both countries’ intent to encourage tourism investments, promote familiarization visits for media and tourism experts, and further skills development of operators, employees, and specialists in tourism through seminars and specialized training.

Latest DOT data show the country has received 10,438 visitor arrivals from Qatar in 2023. Visitor arrivals have reached 3,784 from Jan. 1 to April 20 this year.

In terms of business events, both countries have agreed to promote exhibitions and conferences attractive to tourists, promote cooperation between other relevant exhibitions and conferences, organizing agencies; encourage exchange of organizational experiences in the field of business events; encourage familiarization visits in the field of business; exchange legislations and regulations; and provide possible logistical support at the international level for hosting exhibitions and international conferences.

A joint working team between the Philippines and Qatar will be formed to establish the work program and execution and evaluation of the activities in line with the implementation of the agreement’s provisions.

Frasco noted that the DOT has worked towards strengthening Muslim-friendly and halal tourism offerings to cater to the needs of Muslim visitors.

Last June 2023, the Philippines was awarded as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year at the prestigious Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023.

The Amir of Qatar arrived yesterday on 2-day state visit on the invitation of Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.  Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani was welcomed upon arrival at the Maharlika Presidential Airport (Villamor Airbase) by Secretary of Energy Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla; Ambassador of State of Qatar to the Philippines Ahmed bin Saad Al Hamidi; Ambassador of the Philippines to State of Qatar, Lillibeth V. Pono; Senior Philippine officials and the staff of the Qatari embassy in Manila.

Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippine, in its statement said that 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.