15-07-2025
Oman, Philippines sign visa waiver pact for diplomatic passports
MANILA: Oman and the Philippines on Tuesday signed a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, in Manila.
Both sides agreed to pursue efforts to sign several memoranda of understanding and agreements that would strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two ministers also agreed to hold the second Oman-Philippines Investment Forum in Muscat next year to foster sustainable economic ties.
On the political front, the two sides exchanged views on regional issues of mutual interest, including consultations on knowledge exchange, skills development, and strengthening partnerships between Asean and the GCC.
Lazaro expressed profound gratitude for Oman's humanitarian efforts, which recently led to the release of several sailors from the MV Galaxy Leaders in Yemen. She also commended the wise and balanced foreign policy of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the fair treatment of Filipino workers in Oman.
She welcomed the outcomes of the successful Oman-Cebu Investment Forum and expressed interest in supporting further private-sector initiatives to leverage available investment opportunities.
Sayyid Badr appreciated the remarks of the secretary, emphasising the shared values and friendship that continue to grow in service of mutual interests and common prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Nasser bin Said al Manouri, Oman's Ambassador to the Philippines; Raul Hernandez, the Philippine Ambassador to Oman, and some officials. — ONA
