Cayetano Looks Forward To Stronger PH-Qatar Ties

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano (left) exchanges handshakes with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani after their meeting held today, a part of the Qatari official's two-day official visit to the Philippines. Secretary Cayetano and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed ways forward in Philippine-Qatar relations during the meeting. (DFA Photo by MJ Roldan)

15 August 2018 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties between the Philippines and Qatar during the courtesy call today of visiting Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

“Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and I had a fruitful discussion on advancing Philippine-Qatar relations, covering all our foreign policy goals and addressing the needs of our nationals in Qatar,” Secretary Cayetano said in a statement.

“We look forward to the State Visit of the Emir of Qatar Shiek Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani later this year, where he will surely be warmly welcomed by President Rodrigo Duterte,” he added.

During their meeting, the two ministers also discussed the proposed convening of the Joint Committee Meeting on labor matters; investment opportunities; regional issues in the Gulf; and other ways to further enhance bilateral relations in the regional and multilateral sphere.

The Secretary also conveyed the gratitude of the Philippines for the royal pardon granted to 25 Filipino detainees on the occasion of Eid’l Fitr.

Present during the meeting were Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Ambassador to Qatar Alan L. Timbayan and Qatari Ambassador to Manila Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is in the country for a two-day official visit, is also scheduled to meet President Duterte in Malacañang this afternoon.

In 2017, Qatar is the Philippines’ sixth export market and fourth import market in the Middle East. It is home to around 255,000 Filipinos, most of whom are working in the nursing and services sector.