Oman, Philippines sign mutual visa waiver for diplomatic, special and service passport holders

Agreement aims to deepen bilateral cooperation across economic, scientific sectors

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A view of Muscat. Secretary Lazaro praised Oman’s fair treatment of Filipino workers and commended the country’s balanced foreign policy under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
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Dubai: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, Oman’s Foreign Ministry has announced.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman's Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Maria Theresa Lazaro, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs, in Manila.

 In addition to the signing, the two ministers discussed expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, including the economy, science, and other strategic fields.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed intent to pursue several memoranda of understanding and future agreements to deepen collaboration.

They also agreed to convene the second Oman–Philippines Investment Forum in Muscat next year, aiming to foster sustainable economic ties.

On political matters, the ministers exchanged views on regional developments of mutual interest and discussed joint efforts in knowledge exchange, skills development, and enhancing cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Secretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for Oman’s recent humanitarian role in the release of several sailors from the MV Galaxy Leader held in Yemen.

She also praised Oman’s fair treatment of Filipino workers and commended the country’s balanced foreign policy under the leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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