Qatar, Philippines sign MoUs to bolster ties

Qatar and the Philippines on Sunday signed a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to enhance mutual cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, investment, education and health among others.

The agreements were signed following talks led by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the President of the Republic of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Emiri Diwan.According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the MoU in the field of culture was signed between Qatar's Ministry of Culture and Sports and Philippine's National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The two sides also signed a MoU on encouraging and protecting mutual investments, a MoU on cooperating in the fields of technical and vocational training and a MoU on cooperating in the health field.During the official talks, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and means of enhancing them in all fields, especially in infrastructure, agriculture, health and education investments, as well as increasing cooperation in the fields of experience exchange and expatriate labour.The two sides also discussed a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The session and signing of the MoUs were attended by HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and a number of ministers.From the Philippine's side, the talks were attended by the members of the official delegation accompanying President Duterte, who arrived earlier on Sunday at the Emiri Diwan, where he was met with an official reception ceremony.HH the Emir hosted at the Emiri Diwan a luncheon banquet in honour of the visiting President and the accompanying delegation. During the banquet, the Philippine President praised the solid friendship and cooperation between the two countries, stressing his keenness to enhance and promote them in all fields including trade, economy and defence. He also expressed gratitude for the care and kindness accorded to the Filipino community in Qatar and extended an invitation to HH the Emir to visit the Philippines. HH the Emir expressed satisfaction over the development of bilateral ties, stressing that President Duterte's visit to Qatar would further support and enhance relations between the two countries. HH the Emir also welcomed his invitation to visit the Philippines. The banquet was attended by a number of ministers.Duterte left Doha on Sunday concluding a three-day official visit to Qatar.