The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines have strengthened their bilateral ties with the signing of a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports, marking a significant step in enhancing their diplomatic relations. This development not only underscores the friendship between the two nations but also reflects their eagerness to explore new avenues for cooperation in various fields, including economic and scientific collaboration.
Strengthening Diplomatic Relations
The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Foreign Minister, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in Manila. The discussions highlighted the commitment of both countries to bolster their partnership through various means, including the signing of memoranda of understanding and agreements that would further enhance bilateral cooperation.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Both sides have expressed their intent to pursue several initiatives aimed at deepening their economic and scientific ties. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to host the second Oman-Philippines Investment Forum in Muscat next year. This event is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders from both countries to explore opportunities for sustainable economic collaboration and investment.
However, the discussions were not limited to economic cooperation alone. The two ministers also engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views on regional issues of mutual interest. These included consultations on knowledge exchange, skills development, and strategies to strengthen partnerships between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Meanwhile, Maria Theresa Lazaro expressed her profound gratitude for Oman’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in securing the release of several sailors from the MV Galaxy Leaders in Yemen. She also commended the wise and balanced foreign policy of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and appreciated the fair treatment of Filipino workers in Oman.
Additionally, she welcomed the success of the Oman-Cebu Investment Forum and expressed interest in supporting further private-sector initiatives to leverage available investment opportunities. This sentiment was echoed by Sayyid Badr, who appreciated the remarks of the Philippine Foreign Secretary and emphasized the shared values and friendship that continue to grow in service of mutual interests and common prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Nasser bin Said Al Manouri, Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines; Raul Hernandez, the Philippine Ambassador to Oman; and several officials from both sides, underscoring the commitment of both nations to strengthening their diplomatic relations and exploring new areas of cooperation.
In conclusion, the mutual visa waiver agreement between Oman and the Philippines is a significant step towards enhancing their diplomatic ties and fostering greater cooperation between the two nations. As both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, it is expected that their partnership will yield benefits for both nations, contributing to regional stability and prosperity. The success of future initiatives, such as the Oman-Philippines Investment Forum, will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this growing partnership.
