Oman, Philippines Sign Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports
Signed in Manila
The deal was inked during a meeting in Manila between Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and the Philippines' Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro. While they were at it, both leaders also talked about broadening cooperation in economic, scientific, and strategic areas.
More Than Just a Travel Deal
This isn't just about skipping visa lines. Both sides said they're committed to deepening their relationship through more memoranda of understanding and new agreements. They also announced that the second Oman–Philippines Investment Forum will take place next year in Muscat.
Talks Go Beyond Business
Beyond economics, the ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, shared plans to boost knowledge exchange and skills development, and discussed stronger collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN.
Secretary Lazaro thanked Oman for its humanitarian efforts, especially in helping free sailors from the MV Galaxy Leader in Yemen. She also gave a nod to Oman's fair treatment of Filipino workers and praised the country's balanced foreign policy under Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
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