Qatari emir arriving in PH for a two-day state visit

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (center), clad in mask as part of COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic protocols, cheers during the Amir Cup final football match between al-Sadd and al-Arabi at Al-Rayyan Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on December 18, 2020. (File photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, is flying to the Philippines today for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Prior to this schedule, the Qatari leader came over for a state visit about 12 years ago in 2012.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Qatari emir will visit Manila from April 21 to 22.

His trip is also expected “to serve as a platform to reaffirm the two nations’ mutual commitment to further elevate the already robust ties between them,” according to a separate statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The two leaders are expected to exchange views on regional issues and to discuss PH-Qatar bilateral relations, which now covers cooperation in the areas of labor, climate change, trade and investments, energy security, education, youth and sports, among others,” the PCO said.