26 March 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Crescente R. Relacion was awarded the Sash of Merit by the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani during the former’s farewell call at the Emiri Diwan (Presidential Palace) on March 22 in recognition of his meritorious service as Philippine envoy.

During the farewell call, Ambassador Relacion thanked the Emir for Qatar’s hospitality in hosting the estimated 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the country, as well as the 94,289 visas reserved for Filipino workers that represents the number of employment opportunities available for Filipinos in Qatar. “Filipino workers are always welcome here,” the Emir replied.

The Ambassador also recalled the Emir’s compassion for overseas Filipinos when he personally went to the Embassy to convey his sympathy for the three Filipina teachers who died of asphyxiation from a fire that struck Villagio Mall in Doha on 28 May 2012.

The Emir expressed interest in further fostering closer relations between the Philippines and Qatar, and said that he will send a formal invitation for President Benigno Aquino III to visit Qatar. Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani visited the Philippines on 10 April 2012 in his capacity then as the current Emir.

This is the first time that a Sash of Merit was given to a Philippine Ambassador. END