By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines and Qatari governments discussed strengthening relations, especially on the political and economic fields, in a bilateral consultation in Manila.
The foreign affairs ministries of the two states convened the 2nd Joint Consultation Meeting (JCM) on Political Matters at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office on Wednesday, May 7.
The DFA said the high-level meeting reviewed the progress of the countries’ cooperation on political and economic matters, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, health, education, youth, sports, and tourism.
“Possible exchanges of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed. The heads of the two delegations also had a candid exchange of views on matters affecting their respective regions,” it said in a statement on Thursday, May 8.
The Philippine delegation was led by DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, while the Qatari delegation was headed by Dr. Ahmad Hassen M.A. Alhammadi, Secretary General of the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After the meeting, Lazaro and Alhammadi signed an aide memoire affirming the readiness of both sides to further strengthen bilateral relations and outlining the concrete steps to take to give effect to existing partnerships.
During the visit of Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Manila last year, the two countries signed a number of agreements, including deals to increase cooperation on tourism, investment, climate change, sports, seafarers’ welfare, and combating human trafficking.
The third JCM will be hosted by the Qatari side, but no specific date has been set as of yet.
The political consultations serve as the primary dialogue mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries. (PNA)
