DFA, Bahrain Undersecretary for Consular and Admin Affairs Discuss Establishment of Bahraini Embassy in Manila
PASAY CITY 05 June 2023 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain headed by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Undersecretary for Consular and Administrative Affairs. The delegation visited primarily to discuss Bahrain’s ongoing preparations for the establishment of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Manila. The project is targeted to materialize by 2023 to coincide with the 45th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Bahrain. The delegation visited Manila from 31 May to 03 June 2023.
On 01 June 2023, the Bahraini delegation had the opportunity to meet with officials from the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) to discuss possible collaboration on training programs for both Filipino and Bahraini diplomats. The Bahraini side sought the furtherance of partnerships and people-to-people exchanges between the FSI and Bahrain’s Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies (MBMA). On the same day, Undersecretary Bahzad and the Bahraini delegation had the opportunity to pay a courtesy visit on the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Enrique A. Manalo. During the call, Secretary Manalo welcomed the delegation and conveyed his well wishes in Bahrain’s undertaking of setting up its Embassy in Manila.
The following day, 02 June 2023, the Bahraini delegation met with DFA Officials to discuss the requirements, procedures, and other relevant matters on setting-up a Diplomatic Mission in Manila. The DFA-delegation was led by Hon. Antonio A. Morales, Undersecretary for Administration and was composed of Hon. Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs; Hon. Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs; and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Protocol, Ms. Mary Jennifer D. Dingal.
Currently, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Bangkok, Thailand has concurrent jurisdiction over the Philippines. END
From L-R: Mr. Alex O. Vallespin, OMEAA Acting Director - Gulf States Division; Mr. Christian L. De Jesus, OCA Deputy Assistant Secretary; Ms. Mary Jennifer D. Dingal, Protocol Deputy Assistant Secretary; Hon. Henry S. Bensurto, Jr., OCA Assistant Secretary; Hon. Antonio A. Morales, Undersecretary for Administration; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Undersecretary for Consular and Administrative Affairs, MOFA-Bahrain; Ms. Mariam Kamal, MOFA-Bahrain; Mr. Abdulla AlKhaja, MOFA-Bahrain; and Mr. Mohammed AlKhayyat, MOFA-Bahrain.