The Philippines and Qatar are intensifying efforts to boost cooperation, according to the Philippine News Agency. Qatar Embassy in Manila Chargé d’Affaires a.i Abdullah bin Salem Al-Khawar said the directive to further strengthen bilateral ties was issued by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two nations established formal diplomatic ties in May 1981.
“The cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines has opened investment opportunities between the two countries, thus, resulting in the expansion of trade exchange and frequent mutual visits of in both countries, both in government and in private sectors,” Al-Khawar said at the recent Qatar National Day reception in Taguig City.
“In response to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, the State of Qatar is exerting great efforts to further intensify its ties with the Republic of the Philippines, especially under the current Philippine Government headed by His Excellency Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Romualdez Marcos Jr.,” he added.
The envoy said that President Marcos Jr. had already expressed interest to enhance cooperation in investment and trade exchange, health, energy, education, as well as culture. The two nations are also seeing opportunities to enhance partnerships on climate change mitigation, as well as regional and international issues.
He likewise hailed the more than 300,000 Filipinos in Qatar for their contribution to the country’s development. Moreover, he highlighted Qatar’s initiatives to protect workers’ rights, including easing the process for migrant workers to change employers. According to Al-Khawar, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior had approved nearly 340,000 requests from overseas workers to change jobs since August 2020.