Amir of Qatar arrives in Palace to meet Marcos

The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, on Monday morning arrived at Malacañang Palace to meet President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

Sheikh Tamim is set to have a bilateral meeting with the Philippine president.

During the bilateral meeting, Marcos said he is happy to welcome Sheikh Tamim to the Philippines.

''We are honored for the inclusion of the Philippines in Your Highness’ visit to this part of Asia this April,'' Marcos said.

''With the Philippines and Qatar sharing 43 years of deep friendship and cooperation, I am certain that our discussions today will translate to stronger collaboration in common fields of interests,'' he added.

The Philippine president said he looks forward to a fruitful and productive meeting with the Qatari leader, ''with the hope that our discussion will open opportunities to improve and strengthen our bilateral relations at every level; at the commercial level, at the government-to-government level, at the people-to-people level.''

Agreements are expected to be signed between the Philippines and Qatar.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the Qatari leader’s two-day state visit was upon the invitation of Marcos.

The last state visit by the Qatari Amir to the Philippines was in 2012 by Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the current leader’s father. —RSJ/KG, GMA Integrated News