(MENAFN- The Peninsula) joelyn baluyut |
The Peninsula
Doha: The Philippines and Qatar marked the 42nd anniversary of diplomatic relations highlighting the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Doha said it“celebrates the enduring bond of friendship between the two nations and their peoples, and underscores its commitment to open, productive, and constructive exchanges on matters of mutual interest”. The Philippines and Qatar formally established bilateral ties on May 5, 1981.
According to the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), one area where the two countries share common ground is both house a rich collection of Islamic Art.
“Doha's Museum of Islamic Art has one of the biggest Islamic art collections in the world, while the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila is home to a rich collection of Bangsamoro Art that reflects the Islamic influence on Philippine art,” DFA stated.
Latest data from DFA revealed that there are over 260,000 Filipinos living and working in Qatar, constituting the fourth largest migrant group in the country. Total trade last year reached $599,187,481, and total exports to Philippines, $59,179,801.
Recently, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, H E Lillibeth V Pono, said the embassy has been exploring ways to expand Philippine businesses in Qatar and throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with several prospects for cooperation between the two countries. She also stressed her commitment to fostering bilateral trade relations and has been engaging with various organisations in the country to strengthen business and investment connections.
Currently, the Philippine Embassy in Doha is celebrating the Filipino Food Month which started in April and has been extended this month wherein it highlights Filipino restaurants based in Qatar. Among the participating restaurants are Loming Barako, Pearl of Beirut, Maya's Kitchen, Cocina De Rose, Maharlika Park Restaurant, Filipino Hot Pack, and Gerry's Grill, among others.
The national celebration is aimed at preserving, promoting, and transmitting the vast Filipino culinary traditions and treasures to future generations.