The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, lauded on Monday the Filipino community in the Arab country for its contribution to the progress of his country.
“This is my pleasure to take this opportunity to praise the Filipino community residing in the State of Qatar and their effective contribution to the development, progress in our country,” Sheikh Tamim told President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during their bilateral meeting at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Monday.
Qatar is a second home to nearly 243,000 Filipinos.
In 2022, remittances to the Philippines from Qatar amounted to USD895.33 million.
Formal relations between the two countries span 43 years following formal establishment on May 5, 1981.
President Marcos and his Cabinet officials welcomed Sheikh Tamim.
Sheikh Tamim and President Marcos witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that will further strengthen the relations between the Philippines and Qatar and increase their communication.
“The Philippines is an important partner for us in many fields and especially in trade, economic cooperation. And we aspired to improve these relations to increase communication between the private sector in both the countries,” the Amir said.
“I thank you once again, Your Excellency, and I wish your country, the Philippines continued progress and prosperity. Thank you very much, Your Highness,” the Qatari Amir told President Marcos.
President Marcos said his discussion with Sheikh Tamim will translate into stronger collaboration in common fields of interest.
“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,” President Marcos said during their meeting.
“This is our aspiration and I think that if we come to – if we are agreed that this is the way to go, there is much potential that we can take advantage of,” President Marcos added. (PNA)