Muscat, 24 October 2023 - Ambassador Raul S. Hernandez presented his Letter of Credence as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines to the Sultanate of Oman to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on 18 October 2023, at ceremonies held at the Al Barakah Palace in Muscat. Ambassador Hernandez was accompanied by his spouse, Madame Maria Ana A. Hernandez, Second Secretary and Consul Jacqueline Joan S. Arquiza, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Joanna Vi D. Arbado. During the brief meeting with Sultan Haitham that followed the presentation of credentials, Ambassador Hernandez highlighted Post’s mission to enhance the bilateral relations and intensify cooperative efforts in various fields between the Philippines and the Sultanate of Oman. He expressed gratitude for the Sultanate’s continued hospitality and recognition accorded to over 50,000 Filipinos living and working in Oman for their contribution to the economic development of the Sultanate and the continued support and protection for their welfare and well-being. It was also emphasized by Ambassador Hernandez that there is a need to strengthen the economic relations of the two countries by looking into opportunities for increased trade and investment and involving the private sector. Business-to-business relations, new partnerships with public and business sectors for joint ventures and investments to further develop and sustain economic prosperity should be promoted. Ambassador Hernandez conveyed that the Philippines shares the Sultanate’s position that the work of preserving a rules-based global order is a collective responsibility given the challenging current situation of our world. Like Oman, the Philippines is committed to promoting dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and guided by the common principles of equality, justice, peace, cooperation, respect, and amity with all nations. Sultan Haitham conveyed his greetings to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and affirmed his support to stronger relations and enhanced cooperation between the Philippines and Oman. The Sultan welcomed the designation of Ambassador Hernandez as the Philippine envoy to Oman and gave assurance of the Omani government’s assistance for the Ambassador to effectively fulfill his duties and responsibilities. END