MUSCAT – The agreement was signed during a meeting between His Excellency Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Ma Theresa Lazaro, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in the capital Manila.

The meeting underscored the strong and friendly ties between the two nations and focused on broadening cooperation across economic, scientific, and investment sectors. Both sides expressed their commitment to strengthening bilateral partnership frameworks to serve mutual interests.

Her Excellency Lazaro extended the Philippines’ deep appreciation for Oman’s recent humanitarian efforts, particularly its role in the release of sailors from the vessel “Galaxy Leader” in Yemen. She also praised the balanced and principled foreign policy led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, as well as the positive treatment of the Filipino workforce in Oman.

In addition, the Philippine side welcomed the successful outcomes of the Oman-Cebu Investment Forum, expressing interest in supporting future initiatives and encouraging the private sector to capitalize on emerging investment opportunities and incentives.

In response, His Excellency Sayyid Badr reciprocated the sentiments, affirming the convergence of friendship and shared human values between the two countries. He emphasized the commitment to fostering continued growth in mutual interests, aiming for reciprocal benefits and overall prosperity.

The two ministers agreed to pursue efforts aimed at signing additional memoranda of understanding and agreements that will further bolster cooperation and partnership. These include a double taxation avoidance agreement and an agreement on the encouragement and protection of mutual investments between the two countries. They also concurred on holding the second edition of the investment forum between Oman and the Philippines in Muscat next year, with the goal of strengthening fruitful and sustainable economic relations.

On the political front, the foreign ministers exchanged views on several regional issues of mutual interest. Discussions also included consultations on ways to share knowledge, build skills, and develop partnership relations between the ASEAN group and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Engineer Nasser bin Saeed Al Manwari, Oman’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Raul Hernandez, the Republic of the Philippines’ Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, and several officials from both sides.