Philippines and Qatar have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during the second round of political consultations held on May 7, 2025, in Manila.
Chaired by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the meeting served as a platform to discuss ongoing cooperation and future initiatives aimed at deepening diplomatic, trade, and people-to-people connections.
According to a news release of the Qatar Embassy in Manila, the consultations, which were also attended by key diplomats including Ambassador Ahmed bin Saad Al Hamidi and Acting Director Al Johara Yousef Al Obaidan Fakhro, provided an opportunity for both countries to review their relationship, which spans over four decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 5, 1981.
In 2023, trade between the Philippines and Qatar continued to flourish. The Philippines exported $73.8 million worth of goods to Qatar, with key exports including bananas, aircraft parts, and baked goods. Qatar, in turn, exported $431 million to the Philippines, dominated by petroleum products. Notably, Philippine exports to Qatar saw a significant year-on-year increase of 120% in July 2024, underscoring the growing strength of their commercial ties.
Highlighting the importance of ongoing engagement, Undersecretary Lazaro said the Philippines is committed to expanding the two countries’ economic partnership and supporting the welfare of Flipino citizens, especially the overseas Filipino community in Qatar.
The discussions also touched on recent developments following the April 2024 state visit of the Qatari Emir to Manila, during which both nations signed nine key bilateral agreements. These agreements focus on various sectors, including tourism, combatting human trafficking, and furthering government-to-government cooperation. The two sides have expressed readiness to pursue deeper collaborations, with a third round of political consultations set to take place in Qatar.
The Philippines remains a key partner for Qatar in terms of labor, with over 240,000 Filipinos residing and working in the Gulf nation. Both governments have emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino workers, with initiatives such as the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PAOS) being implemented in Qatar.
Additionally, the two countries have actively fostered cultural exchange, as seen in the Filipino Cultural Night at the Qatar National Library in 2023, which celebrated Filipino art, cuisine, and performances.
Ambassador Al Hamidi reiterated the importance of continued cooperation. He said Qatar’s relationship with the Philippines is one of mutual respect and shared interests, and Qatar looks forward to further strengthening these ties.
This latest round of consultations marks a significant step in the evolving partnership between the Philippines and Qatar, underscoring their shared vision for a prosperous and collaborative future.
