HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and HE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the friendly Republic of the Philippines, held an official session of talks at the Malacañang Presidential Palace in the capital Manila today.

At the beginning of the session, HE the Filipino President welcomed HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation, highlighting the importance of His Highness’s first visit and its role in enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries and expanding them to broader horizons. HE the President stated that the two countries share a 43-year friendship, noting his discussions with HH the Amir today, which covered all areas and opportunities for enhancing cooperation between the two friendly countries.

For his part, HH the Amir expressed his happiness to visit the Republic of the Philippines in response to the invitation of HE the President of the Philippines, praising the warm reception and generous hospitality received by him and the accompanying delegation.

In this regard, HH the Amir affirmed the distinguished relations between the two friendly countries, noting that his discussions with HE the President would contribute to strengthening and developing the existing cooperation between the two friendly countries in various fields and on all levels by increasing coordination and communication between businessmen and joint committees for trade and economic cooperation to achieve the aspirations of the two friendly peoples towards the desired integration in all fields.

He also praised the Filipino community in the State of Qatar and its active contribution to the country’s development process.

During the session, the two sides discussed aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries and the means to enhance and develop them, as well as discussing the most prominent regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The session was attended by HE Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Chief of the Amiri Diwan, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qasim Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry, HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and several dignitaries who are members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Amir.

From the Filipino side, it was attended by HE Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, HE Lucas Bersamin, Executive Secretary to the President, HE Ramon Lopez, Secretary of Trade, HE Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary of Tourism, HE Maria Antonia P. Teodoro, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, HE Rafael Mariano, Secretary of Energy, HE Cheloy Garafillia Jaravelo, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary, and several senior officials.

HH the Amir and HE the President of the Philippines held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.

HE the President of the Philippines hosted a luncheon in honour of HH the Amir and the accompanying delegation.

Earlier, HH the Amir was accorded an official reception ceremony upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace.

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