The Philippines and the Kingdom of Bahrain vowed to strengthen bilateral ties based on deep respect, shared values, and true friendship as the Middle Eastern nation ensured that Filipinos in the kingdom will be well taken care of.
In a statement, the Office of the President said that Special Envoy and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje was granted a 30-minute audience by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on December 31.
(ALFRED FRIAS/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
During their meeting, the Bahraini monarch stressed that relations between the Kingdom and the Philippines were important, and recognized the contributions of Filipinos to the socio-economic development of the Kingdom.
The OP said that Borje gave President Duterte's letter to the Crown Prince which emphasized the value placed by the President on the friendship with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
In his letter, President Duterte expressed the Philippine government’s commitment to further broaden and expand cooperation with Bahrain and the readiness to ramp up the partnership on migrant workers’ rights protection from bilateral to multilateral venues.
The President likewise conveyed gratitude for Bahrain's demonstrated commitment to protect the welfare and promote the well-being of Filipinos in the Kingdom, particularly during the pandemic.
In turn, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister assured Borje that Filipinos in the Kingdom will be taken care of.
"The Crown Prince and Prime Minister stressed that it is the responsibility of the Bahrain government to take care of Filipinos in the Kingdom. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister said that this includes complete access to medical attention and care, regardless of citizenship," the OP's statement read.
Other opportunities
Borje said the Crown Prince expressed willingness to work with the Philippines in establishing consultative and coordinating mechanisms at the Ministerial Level to ensure that collaborative efforts are acted on decisively.
Borje noted that increased trade and investment, cooperation in education, human resource development, public health, as well as Islamic banking and financial technology are particular areas of interest.
He added that cooperation in Islamic banking would provide crucial support for the President’s peace and development agenda for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao.