In pursuit of stronger relations with our partners in the Middle East, I depart today as a member of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s delegation in her State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The theme of the President’s State Visit “Making the Desert Bloom:  The Role of Filipinos in the Saudi Economy” aptly describes the importance that the Philippines places on its relations with the Kingdom.  Home to 1.2 million overseas Filipino workers, Saudi Arabia’s economy has indeed benefited from the industry and care of our nationals.

The President will also discuss with Saudi officials a common solution to the growing oil crisis the world now faces.  It is of utmost importance that oil-producing nations realize that it is also in their interest to stabilize global oil prices.

During her State Visit, the President will meet with the new Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah as well as officials of the Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority, the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce, and Saudi Aramco.

The visit, which covers the three major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam will also give the President and her delegation the opportunity to meet our overseas Filipino workers there.

In Riyadh, the President will also meet Heads of our Foreign Service Posts in the Gulf Coast to assess, evaluate and discuss how to enhance our strategies in the region in order to strengthen our ties with countries in the Gulf.  The Meeting will focus on the welfare of OFWs in the Middle East, the establishment of closer ties with the Filipino community, and developments in the Philippines’ bid for Observer Status in the Organization of Islamic Conference.

In my official visit to State of Kuwait, I will hold bilateral meetings with the Emir, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait.

I intend to discuss with my counterpart and other high officials the welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers.  In particular, I hope we can explore legal remedies that will address our concerns over Filipino nationals who have been meted capital punishment.

This visit will also give me the opportunity to express our appreciation for the contributions that have been made for the development of Mindanao, as well as give an update on the progress made in our quest for peace and development for all Filipino Muslims.  I will seek support for and reiterate the importance of our bid for Observer Status in the OIC, particularly for the Muslims in the Philippines.

I leave with high hopes, confident that this visit will mark another milestone in our bilateral relations by reaffirming our friendship, aspirations and common interests with our Muslim brethren in the Middle East.  END
 
 
 

/bjg