KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Sunday, celebrated the 126th anniversary of the country’s independence. The event was graced by chief guest HE Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; HE Zubaydullo Zubaydov Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Kuwait and invited guests. Speaking on the occasion, HE Jose A. Cabrera III, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Kuwait said, “This occasion holds special significance as it also marks the 46th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Kuwait on 17 January 1979, which subsequently led to the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait later that same year.

Developments
As we celebrate this momentous occasion,” he said, “I am pleased to share positive developments regarding the Philippine economy despite facing challenges such as a global economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and higher inflation and interest rates. “In 2023, the Philippine Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.6 percent, reaching $471.52 billion, positioning the Philippine economy as the 33rd largest in the world. “This growth trend continued into the first quarter of 2024 at 5.7 percent, surpassing expectations despite significant challenges, including the impact of El Nino.

“Moreover, foreign direct investments played a crucial role in driving economic growth, with the Philippine Board of Investments approving USD 22.6 billion worth of investments in 2023, marking a 73% increase from 2022. “Additionally, inflation has stabilized within the 2 to 4 percent target range, contributing to consumer relief, while unemployment rates have reached their lowest level in 18 years,” he added.

Over the years, the Philippines and Kuwait, he said, have forged strong bilateral ties, culminating in eight agreements covering various fields such as labor, fisheries, trade, cultural cooperation, investment, and visa waivers for diplomatic and official passport holders. The Philippines deeply appreciates Kuwait’s humanitarian assistance, particularly through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), which provided aid during disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Moreover, Kuwait has offered valuable scholarship and study programs to Filipino students, fostering educational cooperation between our nations, he added. Trade between Kuwait and the Philippines has witnessed significant growth, reaching $387.3 million in 2023, a 72% increase from the previous year. With over 267,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait, “our countries share a strong economic partnership, with Filipino nationals making valuable contributions to Kuwait’s economy and society.”

Cooperation
He went on to say, the Philippines remains committed to strengthening cooperation with Kuwait across various sectors, including security, climate action, and disaster risk reduction. “We are grateful for the support and cooperation extended by Kuwait, and we look forward to further enhancing our partnership for mutual benefit and prosperity,” the Philippines said. On another note the Philippine envoy said, he is pleased to announce the commencement of preparations for the first parliamentary elections to be held in May 2025 for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This significant milestone, he said, will mark the completion of major targets outlined under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, emphasizing the importance of peace and development in Southern Mindanao

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes
Arab Times/Al-Seyassah Staff