THE Arab State of Qatar’s top envoy to the Philippines has cited the “strong relations” between the two countries.
Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki, Qatar’s envoy to the Philippines, made the statement in an interview with select journalists on December 11 during the celebration of its National Day in commemoration of the First Ruler Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohamed Bin Thani, who founded the Arab country.
Qatar Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al-Malki (right) during National Day fete, Dec. 11. (EKU)
Attendees at the event held at Makati Shangri-La Manila, Makati City, included Philippine incumbent and former government officials, members of the foreign diplomatic corps, leaders from the private and public sectors, women leaders, and friends of the embassy.
Among the notable presence were United States Ambassador Sung Kim; Papal Nuncio Italian Archbishop Gabrielle Giordano Caccia; Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III; former House speaker Jose de Venecia, and many others.
United States Ambassador Sung Kim (center) with two other guests at the event. (EKU)
Ceremonial cutting of celebrator cake. (EKU)
The Qatari diplomat, the representative in the country of Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, lauded the role of the Filipino community of workers in his country.
“Our relations with the Philippines is very strong. And you know that we have more than 250,000 Filipinos in Qatar. They are our partners in our development. And we say thank you to them, and thank you for coming today,” said Al-Malki.
An interview with ABS-CBN Channel 2 TV Patrol Newscast. (EKU)
He said the bilateral relations between Qatar and the Philippines is going well, “and we are looking forward to enhance the relations.”
Middle East-inspired food offerings. (EKU)
Former House speaker Jose de Venecia. (EKU)
Al-Malki noted the many agreements the two friendly countries signed recently when President Rodrigo R. Duterte visited Qatar in Aprol this year, adding his government is working now for more agreements with the Philippines.
“So, I think the relations will become stronger,” he said, even as he invited Filipinos to visit Qatar.
More food for over 100 guests. (EKU)
Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Saudi Arabia, Untied Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. (EKU)