MUSCAT: Oman and the Philippines will seek to expand cooperation in investment, trade and key economic sectors when the Third Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum opens in Manila next Sunday, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders and experts from both countries.
The forum, a high-level platform established to strengthen bilateral relations, will focus on identifying new opportunities for strategic partnerships in tourism, technology, logistics, agriculture and fisheries, while promoting closer collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Omani delegation will be led by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and will include Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, Muneer bin Ali al Muneeri, Vice-President of the Oman Investment Authority for Operations, and Eng Nasser bin Said al Manwari, Oman's Ambassador to the Philippines, together with representatives from several government entities and private sector organisations.
The forum will centre on three main pillars: strengthening economic cooperation through increased trade, investment and joint ventures; reinforcing diplomatic relations and coordination on regional and international issues; and expanding collaboration in emerging sectors, including technology, energy, logistics, transportation, agriculture and fisheries.
The event forms part of Oman's broader economic diplomacy strategy, which seeks to build long-term international partnerships that support economic diversification and attract foreign investment in line with Oman Vision 2040.
To mark the third edition of the forum, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Unified Promotional Identity Office of the Sultanate of Oman unveiled an official logo symbolising the initiative's long-term vision.
Inspired by an upward arrow representing growth and progress, the logo incorporates elements of Oman's national identity together with the Invest in Oman and Live in Oman initiatives, reflecting the country's efforts to promote investment, tourism and international cooperation.
Eng Al Manwari described the forum as an important platform for strengthening the growing relationship between Oman and the Philippines.
"We view this forum as a unique opportunity to deepen our strong and expanding partnership with the Philippines," he said.
"The launch of the forum's visual identity reflects our commitment to using economic diplomacy to build lasting international partnerships that deliver practical and mutually beneficial outcomes."
He said discussions were expected to generate new avenues for cooperation that would benefit businesses and investors in both countries.
Philippine Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jobira Baja said the forum marks a new chapter in bilateral relations.
"For decades, our relationship has been closely associated with the thousands of Filipino professionals and workers who have found opportunities and a welcoming environment in Oman," she said.
"Today, this institutional platform enables us to build on that trust and transform it into concrete investments, business partnerships and broader economic cooperation."
The Oman-Philippines Strategic Majlis Forum was established as a recurring high-level dialogue bringing together policymakers and business leaders to explore investment opportunities and address issues of mutual interest.
Officials expect this year's meeting to further strengthen economic ties and expand strategic cooperation, reinforcing the growing partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of the Philippines across a range of priority sectors. — ONA
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