Toast Remarks of the Hon. Dr. Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

On the Occasion of the 35^th National Day of tThe State of Qatar

(as read by Hon. Rafael E. Seguis, 
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special Concerns)
19 Palm Avenue, Dasmariñas Village, Makati City
7 September 2006

His Excellency Abdulla Ahmed Al-Mutawaa, Ambassador of the State of Qatar;
Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps H. E. Mohammed Al-Jowaid;
Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps;
Colleagues in Government;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Filipino people, I extend my warmest felicitations to the Government and people of the State of Qatar on the occasion of their 35^th National Day. 

Since its independence in 1971, Qatar has made great strides and has undergone a continuous process of development. 

Qatar’s continuous pursuit of democratic reforms, trade and investment liberalization and the promotion of peace and security in the Middle East region have enhanced its status and influence in the international community.  It is now an important player in the Middle East, advocating peace and security in the region. 

Today, Qatar ranks as one of the richest countries in the world with its fast growing economy, all the while remaining steadfast in its commitment to democratic and social reforms. 

Qatar has always been a strategic partner of the Philippines, and the strength of our relations is evidenced by the close to 40,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Qatar. 

We appreciate the warm hospitality and fair treatment that the Qatari government has constantly accorded to our nationals. 

The Philippines and Qatar have supported each other in various international fora such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Conference.  It was through Qatar’s invitation that the Philippines was able to attend the 9^th Islamic Summit in Doha in November 2000.  The Philippines greatly appreciates Qatar’s continued support for the Philippines’ bid for Observer Status in the OIC. 

Through its assistance, Qatar directly contributes to the Philippine government’s peace and development efforts in Mindanao. 

Significant progress has also been made in terms of bilateral trade between the Philippines and Qatar.  In 2005, Philippine exports to Qatar increased by 27%, while total bilateral trade rose by 21%.  I am confident that as the Qatari economy expands and diversifies, our dynamic bilateral trade will continue to grow. 

The Philippines looks forward to further deepening our excellent relations with the State of Qatar with the prospective state visit to the Philippines of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Mouzah bint Nasser Al-Misnad, in early 2007. 

I am confident our close collaboration in political and economic matters will continue to greatly benefit our countries and peoples, and strengthen our endeavors for the peace, stability and progress of our respective regions. 

On this note, may I now invite everyone to join me in raising our glasses in a toast: 

To the continued good health and success of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar; and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar; and to the vibrant partnership between the Philippines and Qatar, and the enduring friendship between our peoples. 

Mabuhay! 
 

/jay

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