Latest news with #Maria Theresa Lazaro
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman, Philippines sign visa waiver for diplomatic, special, service passports
Manila: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines today signed a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports. The move reaffirms the bonds of friendship between the two countries and the two countries' keeness to explore avenues to enhance cooperation and partnership across economic and scientific fields. The agreement was signed during a meeting between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, 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. Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines 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. Additionally, 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. For his part, Sayyid Badr appreciated the remarks of the Philippine Foreign Secretary, emphasizing the shared values and friendship that continue to grow in service of mutual interests and common prosperity. The meeting was attended by Eng. Nasser bin Said Al Manouri, Oman's Ambassador to the Philippines; Raul Hernandez, the Philippine Ambassador to Oman; and several officials from both sides.
NHK
5 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Japan, US and Philippines reaffirm opposition to changes to status quo
The top diplomats of Japan, the United States and the Philippines have reaffirmed their opposition to attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. The move is seen as an effort to counter China's growing maritime activities. Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Philippines' Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro held talks on Thursday in Malaysia, on the sidelines of a series of ASEAN foreign ministerial talks. The three ministers exchanged views on the recent situation in the East and South China seas. They confirmed the importance of respecting the rule of law and upholding the freedom of navigation. Lazaro expressed her intention to host the trilateral maritime dialogue by autumn of this year. Iwaya and Rubio welcomed the idea. After the meeting, Iwaya had a brief discussion with Rubio. He conveyed Japan's regret over President Donald Trump's notification that the US will impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Japan starting on August 1. Iwaya and Rubio confirmed that their countries will continue ministerial-level trade negotiations for a mutually beneficial agreement.
