PH and Qatar to sign agreements as part of emir’s state visit

Qatar’s Emir Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani walks with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during a welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan grounds of Malacañang in Manila on Monday, April 22, 2024. (Photo from KJ ROSALES/PPA POOL)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday eyed stronger collaboration between Qatar and the Philippines with the visit of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to the Philippines.

Marcos welcomed Sheik Tamim to the Palace with arrival honors, and top government officials from the Philippines and Qatar were in attendance.

READ: Emir of Qatar begins state visit

“With the Philippines and Qatar sharing 43 years of deep friendship and cooperation, I am certain that our discussions today will translate to stronger collaboration in common fields of interests,” said Marcos in his opening remarks during their bilateral meeting.

“I look forward to a fruitful and productive meeting with you today, with the hope that our discussion will open opportunities to improve and strengthen our bilateral relations at every level – at the commercial level, at the government-to-government level, at the people-to-people level,” he added.

The President said he saw potential in the relationship between the two countries.

In turn, Sheik Tamim said several agreements and memoranda will be signed within the day to enhance the relationship between the Philippines and Qatar.

“The Philippines is an important partner for us in many fields, especially in trade and economic cooperation, and we aspire to improve these relations to increase communication between the private sector and both [countries],” said Sheik Tamim.

DTI to include unit costs in price bulletinsSheik Tamim arrived in the Philippines on Sunday for his two-day state visit and is scheduled to leave on Monday.