In a major step toward enhancing international connectivity and prioritizing the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez met with His Excellency Nasser Said Abdullah Al Manwari, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman last Thursday, to explore strategic areas of mutual cooperation in the transportation sector.
The high-level meeting focused primarily on the potential expansion of direct flights between the Philippines and Oman. This initiative aims to provide safer, more convenient, and more affordable travel options for thousands of OFWs stationed in the Middle East, significantly reducing travel times and layovers.
Secretary Lopez emphasized that this collaborative effort directly aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to aggressively strengthen international partnerships. The administration has tasked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure and expanding global networks to deliver direct benefits to Filipino commuters and global workers.
“Our heroes abroad deserve seamless and reliable travel options. By expanding our air cooperation with the Sultanate of Oman, we are not only fulfilling the President’s mandate to elevate our transportation system but also ensuring that our OFWs are better connected to their families back home,” Secretary Lopez said.
Ambassador Al Manwari expressed Oman’s strong commitment to fostering closer ties with the Philippines, acknowledging the vital contributions of the Filipino community to Oman’s economy. Both officials agreed to fast-track technical discussions to review existing air services agreements and explore future collaborative projects across various transport sectors.
Through these strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, the DOTr continues to advance a more robust, interconnected, and passenger-centric aviation strategy that supports global mobility and national development.
