Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace), Doha, Qatar
April 16, 2017

Following the bilateral meeting, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and His Highness Sheikh Tamim Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani witnessed the ceremonial signing of a number of agreements at the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace) in Doha, Qatar.

Four agreements were signed namely, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Cooperation in the Field of Culture, MOU for Cooperation in the Field of Technical Vocational Education and Training, Agreement on Health Cooperation, and the reciprocal Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) between the State of Qatar and the Republic of the Philippines.

The MOU for Cooperation in the Field of Culture aims to promote the Philippines and Qatar’s cultural exchanges, such as artistic exhibition and literary work translations, among others.

The MOU in the Field of Technical Vocational Education and Training aims to set skills training program exchanges between the two countries.

The Agreement on Health Cooperation is conceived within ten years, with the goal of providing better health services for Filipinos local and abroad, and to encourage support for joint activities with international health groups like the World Health Organization (WHO).

In identifying greater business opportunities for the Filipinos and Qataris alike, Foreign Affairs (DFA) Acting Secretary Enrique Manalo together with Minister of Economy and Trade Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani inked the reciprocal Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA).

In a press conference earlier, Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said that the signed documents with the Qatari government is part of the objectives of the “Dutertenomics”, a term which refers to the 10-point socio-economic agenda of the administration.

After the signing ceremony, President Duterte is expected to grace an official lunch hosted by the Emir before departing for Manila, Philippines.

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