Latest news with #diplomatic passports
UAE Moments
7 days ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Oman, Philippines Sign Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports
Oman and the Philippines just made it easier for certain passport holders to travel between the two countries. Officials have signed a mutual visa waiver agreement covering diplomatic, special, and service passports —a step that signals tighter collaboration between the two nations. Signed in Manila The deal was inked during a meeting in Manila between Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and the Philippines' Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro. While they were at it, both leaders also talked about broadening cooperation in economic, scientific, and strategic areas. More Than Just a Travel Deal This isn't just about skipping visa lines. Both sides said they're committed to deepening their relationship through more memoranda of understanding and new agreements. They also announced that the second Oman–Philippines Investment Forum will take place next year in Muscat. Talks Go Beyond Business Beyond economics, the ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, shared plans to boost knowledge exchange and skills development, and discussed stronger collaboration between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN. Secretary Lazaro thanked Oman for its humanitarian efforts, especially in helping free sailors from the MV Galaxy Leader in Yemen. She also gave a nod to Oman's fair treatment of Filipino workers and praised the country's balanced foreign policy under Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Times of Oman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman, Philippines sign visa waiver for diplomatic, special, service passports
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.
