‘Qatar-Philippine ties rooted on mutual respect’

DOHA: The Philippines regards Qatar as a friend and partner with  nearly four decades of bilateral ties, according to Ambassador of the Philippines to Qatar, Alan L. Timbayan.

Speaking at a reception, the Philippine Embassy organised on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence, Timbayan underlined  that the Philippines’ Independent Foreign Policy enabled the country to widen its diplomatic reach across continents, fostering friendship and cooperation with international partners.

“One such friend and partner across the miles is the State of Qatar. Our relations with the State of Qatar span for 37 years now. The special ties that bind us together are cemented by strong people-to-people linkages, which are rooted on mutual respect for cultural diversity and religious tolerance,” he said.

The envoy said these special ties was evident with the visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Qatar last year which witnessed the signing of four bilateral agreements on investment, health,  culture and technical-vocational training.

“It bears noting that the Filipinos hold Qatari nationals in high esteem, as we have felt the warm reception of and cordial treatment of our 255,000 strong Filipino migrants in Qatar,” he stressed. As the Philippines continues to sustain its growth momentum, he said the country hopes to forge closer  ties and deeper relations with the rest of the international community.

“The Philippines remains committed to the global agenda that support peace, social equity and prosperity for all peoples in the world – be it through bilateral, regional or multilateral for a,” he stressed.

On the theme of this year’s Independence Day celebration, “Hard-fought change, a legacy for prosperous future”, Timbayan paid tribute to Filipino forebears whose heroic deeds led to the country’s independence.

“What we have achieved since independence and what we are enjoying now, we owe it to our ancestors with deep gratitude. Inspired by their resolve, we have successfully prevailed over so many challenges that tested our mettle as a nation through the years. If we have succeeded, it is because we stood on the shoulders of giants,” he said.

H E Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs; Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education; and  Ibrahim

Fakhroo, Director of Protocol at Ministry of Foreign Affairs; were among the guests at the event which saw the gathering of ambassadors, representatives of diplomatic missions, business community and members of the Filipino community.

Filipina soprano Stefanie Quintin enthralled the audience with an impressive performance of a repertoire of Filipino Kundiman (love songs) and a number of songs in other languages.
An exhibition on the evolution of Philippine flags curated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) of the Philippines was also held at the event held at Westin Doha Hotel and Spa on Sunday.