MANILA — The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed his appreciation for the Filipino community in Qatar, highlighting their significant contribution to the country's development. This commendation was made during a bilateral meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the nearly 243,000 Filipinos residing in Qatar have played an integral role in the Arab nation's progress. The meeting also coincided with discussions of strengthening the bilateral ties between Qatar and the Philippines, which have been formally established since May 5, 1981. In 2022, remittances from Qatar to the Philippines totaled USD895.33 million, underscoring the economic connections fostered by the Filipino community.
During the meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at enhancing relations and increasing communication between the private sectors of the two countries. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the importance of the Philippines as a trading and economic partner and expressed his aspirations to improve these relationships further.
President Marcos reciprocated the sentiments, noting that the discussions with Sheikh Tamim are expected to lead to stronger collaboration across various fields of mutual interest. He stressed the potential for enhanced cooperation at commercial, governmental, and people-to-people levels, highlighting the significant potential benefits for both nations.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to leveraging the strong community and economic ties between Qatar and the Philippines for mutual growth and development.