Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro met with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi on the sidelines of the 3rd Philippines-Oman Investment Forum to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and deepening economic ties between the two nations.
During the high-level talks, both ministers explored strategies to bolster collaboration across key strategic sectors, including trade and investment, finance, tourism and hospitality, education, and training. They affirmed their commitment to maintaining regular dialogue and continuing high-level visits to build on the momentum of their growing bilateral relationship. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and global issues.
A primary focus of the meeting was the advancement of two major bilateral agreements: the Philippines-Oman Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and the Philippines-Oman Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. Designed to spur economic activity and boost investor confidence, both ministers expressed optimism that these agreements will be finalized in the coming months.
Secretary Lazaro highlighted the significant growth in economic engagement between the two countries, citing the success of the Philippines-Oman Investment Forum in connecting top business leaders to explore mutually beneficial ventures.
“Our bilateral relations have been anchored on trade in energy and the valuable contributions of the Filipino community in Oman,” Secretary Lazaro stated during her keynote address at the forum. “As we look forward, we must build on this solid foundation by maximizing our positions as regional gateways and deepening our commercial ties.”
Secretary Lazaro extended her gratitude to Minister Albusaidi for his participation in the commemorative activity for the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), held in Manila on July 24, 2026.
Additionally, Secretary Lazaro formally expressed the Philippine government’s appreciation for Oman’s decision to lift visa requirements for Filipino tourists. She welcomed the development as a crucial step toward enhancing tourism, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people links.
Both ministers concluded the meeting by expressing confidence that increased collaboration between the Filipino and Omani private sectors will drive sustained trade and investment growth in the years ahead.
