Latest news with #Oman-CebuInvestmentForum
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
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
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Philippines strengthen ties with visa exemption agreement
Manila, Philippines – Oman and the Philippines have signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, in a move that reflects growing bilateral relations and commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors. The agreement was signed on Monday during a meeting in Manila between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of Oman, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. The two ministers reviewed ways to further develop cooperation, particularly in economic and scientific fields. They agreed to continue efforts to finalise several bilateral memoranda of understanding, including an agreement to avoid double taxation and another to encourage and protect mutual investments. The ministers also agreed to convene the second Oman-Philippines Investment Forum in Muscat next year, aimed at strengthening sustainable economic ties between the two countries. On political matters, the discussions included regional developments and mechanisms to enhance cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly in knowledge exchange, capacity building and strategic partnerships. The Philippine foreign minister expressed appreciation for Oman's recent humanitarian efforts, including its role in securing the release of sailors from the Galaxy Leader ship detained in Yemen. She also lauded the sultanate's peace diplomacy, led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, and the positive treatment of Filipino workers in Oman. Maria welcomed the outcomes of the recent Oman-Cebu Investment Forum and expressed her country's interest in expanding such initiatives, encouraging private sector engagement and investment. Sayyid Badr, in turn, commended the Philippines' support and affirmed the strong ties between the two nations. He noted the shared human values and friendship that continue to guide cooperation for mutual benefit. The meeting was attended by Nasser bin Saeed al Manouri, Ambassador of Oman to the Philippines, Raul Hernandez, Ambassador of the Philippines to Oman, and other officials from both sides.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Philippines explore investment and trade opportunities in Cebu
CEBU: The Oman-Cebu Investment Forum, held in Cebu City, Philippines, highlighted promising avenues for trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines. Organised by Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and local authorities in Cebu, the forum focused on strengthening ties between the two countries. In his opening remarks, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, called for transforming the long-standing friendship between Oman and the Philippines into strong trade and investment partnerships. He underscored the potential for cooperation in diverse sectors including green and renewable energy, logistics, tourism, real estate, food production, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, IT, and data centres. Sayyid Badr also acknowledged the Filipino community in Oman, noting that approximately 50,000 Filipinos live and work in the Sultanate of Oman, where they enjoy a safe and respectful environment. He described this as a strong humanitarian link that could serve as a springboard for broader cooperation beyond the labour sector. This inaugural edition of the Oman-Cebu Investment Forum aimed to deepen cultural, commercial, tourism, and investment relations between the two nations. It also provided a platform to exchange ideas and foster economic partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders from both countries. The forum was also attended by Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, along with senior officials and business representatives from both sides. — ONA
