Manila: Kuwaiti Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber's visit to the Philippines is expected to boost economic relations and cultural ties between the two countries, the Philippine government said.
Shaikh Sabah, who arrived in the Philippine capital on Friday for a five-day state visit, was welcomed by President Benigno Aquino III at the presidential palace in Manila.
During the palace visit, Aquino and Shaikh Sabah stood as witnesses to the signing of four agreements aimed at further strengthening the growing relations between the Philippines and Kuwait.
The agreements that were signed covered understandings on agriculture and fisheries, labour cooperation, the easing of visa requirements and a programme for cultural cooperation.
The Agreement on the Waiver of Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic, Special and Official Passports aims to facilitate the entry of holders of these passports into the two countries.
A deal was also signed to promote cooperation and coordination in the field of labour and encourages both countries to share knowledge through the regular exchange of visits and consultations.
The Executive Program for Cultural Agreement for the 2012 to 2014 affirms the cultural cooperation between the two countries signed in September 1997 to promote the exchange of information, experience and materials in the fields of culture and the arts.
In 2009, the Philippines opened the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre in Kuwait City to boost economic cooperation and facilitate several business matching conferences between the Filipino and Kuwaiti businessmen.
Kuwait currently hosts more than 140,000 Filipino expatriates, with Filipinos ranking as the fourth largest expatriate community in that country, after the Indians, Egyptians, and Bangladeshis.
Aquino also conferred to Shaikh Sabah the Order of Lakandula with the rank of Grand Collar (Supremo).
The Order of Lakandula is an order of political and civic merit awarded in memory of the Philippine hero Lakandula's dedication to leadership, courage and resolve in the service of the people.
The Order of Lakandula is conferred upon a Filipino or foreign citizen who demonstrates strong dedication for the welfare of society and whose life is worthy of emulation by the Filipino people.
The order is also being given to persons who devote their lives for the peaceful resolution of conflict and to those who fostered mutual understanding, cultural exchange, justice and dignified relations among individuals.
