The Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Philippines, under the leadership of Ambassador Hisham Sultan Al Alqahtani, celebrated two significant milestones on Sept. 23, 2024. Held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, the event marked the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the 55th anniversary of Saudi-Philippine diplomatic relations. This dual celebration reflects the strong and enduring ties between the two nations, which have grown steadily in various fields over the past five decades.
Ambassador Alqahtani, in his keynote speech, emphasized the historical significance of Saudi Arabia’s National Day. September 23, 1932 marks the unification of the modern Saudi state under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This year’s celebration, the 94th since the Kingdom’s founding, serves as a reminder of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, the challenges it has overcome, and its steady progress toward becoming a leading global power.
He also highlighted the Kingdom’s continued growth under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Ambassador Alqahtani spoke of the transformative Vision 2030, the guiding framework for Saudi Arabia's future. The plan seeks to diversify the economy by reducing the country’s reliance on oil and expanding key sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and infrastructure development. Notable projects, including Neom and The Red Sea mega-tourism initiatives, demonstrate the Kingdom’s ambition to become a premier global destination.
In the past year alone, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides globally, notably winning the bid to host Expo 2030, which is expected to enhance the country’s international profile further. Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, currently uncontested, also showcases the Kingdom’s increasing focus on international sports and entertainment events, underlining its commitment to cultural and economic diversification.
Ambassador Alqahtani also reflected on the deep bond between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, forged through decades of mutual cooperation. Diplomatic relations were officially established in October 1969, and the partnership has since flourished across economic, commercial, and humanitarian domains. Over 800,000 Filipinos live and work in Saudi Arabia, many in key sectors such as construction, healthcare, and engineering. The ambassador noted that the contributions of Filipino workers have significantly strengthened Saudi Arabia's workforce and enriched its economy.
As the celebration concluded, Ambassador Alqahtani expressed his hopes for continued cooperation and growth between the Kingdom and the Philippines. He extended his best wishes to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Filipino people, affirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both nations. Looking ahead, he noted that the Kingdom’s ambitious reforms and projects, coupled with its humanitarian efforts and international engagements, would continue to solidify its standing as a key player on the global stage.