Philippines deepens ties with Oman

THE PHILIPPINES and Oman are looking to deepen their bilateral cooperation through further political collaboration, investments, and people-to-people engagements, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the agency said that Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi conducted a meeting in Muscat, last Feb. 8.

The discussions “centered on strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced political cooperation, strategic investments, and continued people-to-people exchanges.”

The agency added that the envoys tackled concluding talks on an investment framework, with a working-level meeting scheduled in the coming months.

“The meeting further explored a broad range of future-oriented sectors, including tourism, food security, fisheries, and critical minerals,” the agency said.

It added that both countries are seeking to deepen collaborations in digital transformation, healthcare, and technical-vocational education.

“Both sides agreed to leverage their respective expertise to foster mutual growth,” the DFA said.

Both foreign ministers also discussed prevailing regional issues in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, among them is the escalating tensions in the South China Sea and in Gaza.

“They emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and political will in resolving complex issues, with the Philippines commending Oman’s established reputation as a trusted and neutral facilitator in regional affairs,” it said.

It added that both countries plan to reconvene during the next Joint Bilateral Consultation Meeting later this year.

The DFA said that Manila and Muscat aim to follow up on their joint initiatives and solidify a framework of long-term cooperation. — Adrian H. Halili