The visit of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to Qatar in April has reaffirmed strong bilateral relations between the two countries, Philippine ambassador Alan Timbayan has said.

Speaking at the 119th Philippine Independence Day reception in Doha on Sunday, the envoy stressed that such relationship “was built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect, spanning 36 years”.
According to Timbayan, the president’s visit saw the signing of four bilateral agreements that are expected to boost trade and co-operation initiatives for halal products and services, as well as promote investment opportunities back home.
Citing figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he noted that the Philippine economy is expected to see a 6.8-7% increase in gross domestic product growth this year, which is within the government’s target of 6.5-7.5% growth for 2017.
“The economy’s good performance may be attributed to the government spending on public goods and services, sustained investment flows and domestic consumption,” Timbayan told attendees at the event.
The reception was attended by HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Chief of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro and other dignitaries.
He pointed out that inflation slowed to 2.8% in June and it is expected to settle for the rest of the year.
Despite factors such as the ongoing armed conflict in Marawi, the Philippines remains to be one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, the envoy added.
While the Philippines continues to experience robust economic growth, Timbayan said they also want to strengthen cultural exchanges through vigorous tourism promotion campaign.
Such efforts, he added, will give tourists an opportunity to discover the wonders of fascinating destinations in the Philippines.
“The Philippines offers a wide array of entertainment, with its scenic islands and exotic beaches, world-class diving spots, unique wildlife, exciting fiestas and the world-famous Filipino hospitality,” the ambassador said.
“With 7,107 islands, the Philippine archipelago is blessed with a wealth of natural resources, a rich and vibrant history, and a unique and colourful culture,” he noted.
Timbayan announced that the Philippines is also set to chair the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean), which also coincides with the Asean’s 50th founding anniversary.
With the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World", he said the Philippines aspires for a prosperous and “drug-free” Asean that is a catalyst for positive change in the international community.
Timbayan thanked His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Qatar’s government and its people for the hospitality accorded to more than 220,000 Filipino expatriates in the country.
“We are honoured to be able to contribute to the progress and development of Qatar. We look forward to sustaining the strong bonds of friendship between our two countries in the years to come,” he said.

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