Ambassador of Oman Featured in Ambassadors’ Lecture Series

H.E. Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Philippines during his lecture.

MANILA 04 October 2024 – The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) successfully held another Ambassadors’ Lecture Series (ALS) on 13 September 2024 at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini with Ambassador Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari of the Sultanate of Oman as the featured lecturer. With the title “Strengthening Diplomatic Ties between Oman and the Philippines: A New Era in Bilateral Relations,” Ambassador Al Manwari shared his thoughts on the growing cooperation between the Philippines and Oman, with a deeper focus on enhancing economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations.

As he provided an overview of Oman, Ambassador Al Manwari underscored its unique geography, history, and evolving government structure which enabled it to remain a key player in the Arabian Peninsula. The country strategically focuses on resource allocation, government enhancement, and investment attraction to foster sustainable growth.

Ambassador Al Manwari further elaborated on Oman’s foreign policy, which is anchored in dialogue, tolerance, and neutrality. “The foreign policy of the Sultanate of Oman is founded on a profound and enduring vision of Oman as a friend to all,” he stated. Oman’s neutral stance has earned it a pivotal role in regional peace processes, making it a reliable partner for international diplomacy.

Moreover, the lecture highlighted the historically close ties between the Philippines and Oman, formally established on 6 October 1980 and manifested through high-level engagements, official visits, and bilateral events, which have bolstered cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Looking toward the future, Ambassador Al Manwari introduced Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate’s roadmap for development. The vision focuses on economic diversification, human capital development, private sector empowerment, and sustainable development. These pillars aim to reduce Oman’s reliance on oil, empower its workforce, and promote environmental sustainability.

In presenting Oman’s vision for the further advancement of bilateral relations, the ambassador outlined key actions including enhancing diplomatic engagement through regular high-level meetings, expanding economic partnerships, fostering cultural and educational exchanges, and negotiating new MoUs in priority sectors such as health and agriculture.

The FSI launched the ALS as a platform for heads of diplomatic missions in the Philippines to share their knowledge, priorities, and advocacies. END

Personnel from the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and members of the diplomatic corps attended the event.