By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Enhancing cooperation with like-minded nations has never been more important today, amidst various geopolitical developments around the globe that may directly or indirectly affect the Philippines and its people.
This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the Ambassador of Oman to the Philippines, His Excellency Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Al Manwari in a courtesy call at Malacañang on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and the Omani government for granting royal pardons to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Arab nation.
President Marcos Jr. likewise hailed Oman’s efforts in facilitating the release and repatriation of 26 Filipino seafarers who were held hostage by the Houthis in 2025, as well as opening its doors to Filipinos seeking repatriation at the start of the Middle East conflict.
Ambassador Al Manwari reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assist the Philippines and its citizens whenever possible, emphasizing the close and strong ties between the two nations.
Both sides expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Both expressed hope that it will be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, and that lasting peace can be achieved.
As of press time, nearly 49,000 Filipinos reside and work in Oman. Diplomatic relations between Manila and Muscat were formally established on October 6, 1980, with the upcoming 46th anniversary highlighting decades of sustained partnership.
Friendship on an international scale
President Marcos Jr. received the credentials of six non-resident ambassadors-designate in a separate event at Malacañang on Tuesday.
The envoys were His Excellency Ermal Muca of the Republic of Albania, His Excellency Ramil Abil oglu Rzayev of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Gbolie Desire Wulfran Ipo of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Hreinn Palsson of Iceland, His Excellency Tornike Nozadze of Georgia, and His Excellency Ali Mohamed Abukar of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Each diplomatic representative conveyed their desire to enhance cooperation with the Philippines in various aspects, such as tourism, education, trade, education, and cultural exchanges.
They likewise hailed the Southeast Asian nation’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and other related summits this year, wishing the government success in bolstering regional cooperation and prosperity.
Moreover, they expressed optimism that the Philippines will continue to double down on foreign investment and sustainable energy, thus opening the floodgates for mutual growth and development.
In return, the Chief Executive wished the envoys a productive and prosperous tenure, expressing confidence in their capacity to bolster Manila’s ties with nations in the diaspora.
jpv
