𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "PH, Qatar sign agreements for sports, anti-human trafficking, commerce, 6 others" by Jan Gabriel Manaog

Published by: Sophia Izabelle Bandiola

Date Published: April 29, 2024

Time Published: 8:27 AM

Philippines (PH) and Qatar solidified diplomatic relations by signing nine bilateral agreements on Monday, April 22, in Manila. 

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and watched the presentation of the deals at the President's Hall in Malacañang Palace. 

The nine signed agreements are as follows:

1. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on the waiver of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special or official passports

2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in the field of sports

3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in the field of youth

4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on cooperation in combating human trafficking

5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on technical cooperation and capacity-building on climate change

6. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar in the field of tourism and business events

7. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Qatar on mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates

8. Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry

9. Memorandum of Understanding between the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Earlier during the arrival honors, the Qatari leader told President Marcos in his speech, "We aspire to improve these relations to increase communication between the private sector and both the countries."

Qatar is not new to the Philippines, as the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries can be traced back to May 1981. 

"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, and progress of our country," he added. 

Qatar shelters the most Filipino workers in the Middle East, with 242,609 Filipinos and $895.33 million OFW remittances from Qatar in 2022 alone. 

REFERENCES:

[1] Bajo, A. F. (2024, April 22). PH, Qatar ink deal on trade, sports, anti-human trafficking. GMA Integrated News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../ph-qatar-ink-deal.../story/

[2] Esguerra, D. J. (2024, April 22). PH, Qatar ink climate change, anti-trafficking deals, 7 others. Philippine News Agency. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1223110....

[3] Gutierrez, P. (2024, April 22). Philippines, Qatar ink 9 bilateral agreements. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/.../philippines-qatar-ink-9...