Monday 14 / July / 2025
Manila: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines today signed a mutual visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports.
The move reaffirms the bonds of friendship between the two countries and the two countries’ keeness to explore avenues to enhance cooperation and partnership across economic and scientific fields.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, 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.
Maria Theresa Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines 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.
Additionally, 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.
For his part, Sayyid Badr appreciated the remarks of the Philippine Foreign Secretary, emphasizing the shared values and friendship that continue to grow in service of mutual interests and common prosperity.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Nasser bin Said Al Manouri, Oman’s Ambassador to the Philippines; Raul Hernandez, the Philippine Ambassador to Oman; and several officials from both sides.
