The Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will be visiting the Philippines this year,reported philstar.

"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," Cayetano said Wednesday.

Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani is currently in Manila for a two-day official visit.

Cayetano met with his Qatari counterpart to discuss 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.

"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," Cayetano said.

In their meeting, the foreign affairs secretary also conveyed the Philippines' gratitude to Qatar for granting royal pardon to 25 Filipino detainees during Eid'l Fitr.

The Qatari leader paid a courtesy call on Cayetano as part of his official visit. Sheikh Mohammed will also be meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañan.

In April 2017, Duterte invited the Emir of Qatar to visit the Philippines to further enhance bilateral relations.

The Emir hosted a lunch banquet for Duterte and his delegation during his visit to the Gulf state last year.

The Philippines and Qatar signed agreements involving matters on culture, investment, technical education cooperation and health during Duterte's visit.

According to the DFA, Qatar is the sixth export market and fourth import market of the Philippines in the Middle East. Around 255,000 Filipinos reside in the Gulf state, most of whom are working in the nursing and services sector.

Share This Post