THE Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, will visit the Philippines on Sunday and Monday upon the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“The two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional issues and to discuss PH-Qatar bilateral relations which now covers cooperation in the areas of labor, climate change, trade and investments, energy security, education, youth, and sports, among others,” the Presidential Communications Office said Saturday.
The Peninsula Qatar reported that after the Philippines, the Amir will next go to Bangladesh and Nepal.
“During the tour, His Highness the Amir will hold discussions with the leaders of these countries and their senior officials on ways to enhance cooperation, in addition to discussing a number of issues of common interest. Additionally, agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed in various fields. His Highness the Amir will be accompanied by an official delegation,” the English daily reported.
Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Lillibeth Pono said the Amir’s state visit is “a strong indication of flourishing relations between our two countries.”
“It also provides an excellent opportunity for the two sides to have a personal exchange of views on bilateral issues and foster greater engagement arising from a shared sense of responsibility as regional and global actors,” she said in a statement.
Pono said the Philippines and Qatar have concluded over 20 agreements, including on investments, taxation, air services, labor, establishment of a political consultation mechanism, agriculture, as well as economic, commercial, and technical cooperation.
“We are hopeful that during the visit of HH the Amir, we are able to conclude more MOUs (memorandum on understanding) on other key areas of cooperation, particularly in the field of trade, climate change, consular matters, sports, and youth,” she added.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the current Amir’s father, was the first Qatari head to visit the Philippines. (PNA, GP)
