The State of Qatar has lauded the “excellent relations” with the Philippines and has recognized the contributions of hardworking and honest Filipino workers to the Gulf nation’s growth.
During the first day of President Duterte’s visit in Doha, Qatar, Energy Minister Mohammed bin Saleh Al Sada relayed the government’s appreciation to the Philippine leader upon his arrival at the airport on Friday night (early Saturday morning in Manila).
The President’s visit to Qatar includes a highly-anticipated meeting with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday to broaden bilateral cooperation on trade, investments, health assistance and cultural exchanges.
“We have an excellent relationship with your esteemed country and we have a good relation with your citizens living happily here,” the Qatari energy minister told President Duterte during a brief conversation over tea at the Emiri Terminal of the Hamid International Airport.
“We are very proud of what they are doing, they are helping us in building –they are engineers, they are doctors, they are technicians, they are everywhere. We are honored to have such productive, honest people of the Philippines here in Qatar,” he added.
Al-Sada also said they are also deeply honored to welcome President Duterte on his first visit to Qatar. President Duterte is the second Philippine leader to visit Qatar since 2008 after then President Gloria Arroyo.
The President, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Qatar for the warm welcome extended to him as well as for good treatment of Filipino workers in Qatar.
President Duterte, accompanied by several Cabinet members, is on the last leg of his week-long journey in the Middle East. He earlier visited Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to broaden bilateral cooperation and promote the rights and welfare of Filipino workers.
“I’m happy to be here,” the President said during his red-carpet welcome at the elegant terminal exclusive to royalty and other VIPs of Qatar.
“Thank you for (hosting) the Filipinos who are here and they are being treated very well,” he added.
At present, Qatar is home to around 220,000 Filipino workers, mostly highly skilled workers, professionals and household helpers.
The President is expected to meet with 6,000 Filipino workers at the massive Lusail Sports Arena on Saturday night (early Sunday morning in Manila), shortly after attending a business forum. In last presidential polls, President Duterte got almost 80 percent of the votes of the Filipino workers in Qatar.
“The expectation on the visit of the President in Doha, Qatar is quite high among the overseas workers. It is expected to boost Qatar-PH relationship to soar to the highest,” Philippine Ambassador Alan Timbayan said in a recent media interview.
On Sunday, the President is scheduled to hold talks with the Emir of Qatar, followed by an official lunch at the Amiri Royal Palace.
Timbayan said the President is expected to witness the signing of agreements on health assistance, culture, and technical and vocational education during his visit here. Other possible agreements being finalized involve enhancing investment relations and waiving visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders.
EmoticonEmoticon