18 April 2012 – Philippine Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman Joselito A. Jimeno paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat, on 18 April 2012. 

Ambassador Jimeno initiated the discussion by thanking the Muscat governorate for generously hosting the 23,000 Filipinos living and working in the region. The Minister responded by commending the excellent job Filipino workers are doing for Oman through their professionalism and quality of work. 

During the meeting, Ambassador Jimeno enlisted the Minister’s support in pushing for the launching of direct flights by Oman Air to the Philippines, which will boost trade and tourism between the two countries, and the opening of an Embassy of Oman in Manila. 

The two officials also discussed the current status of trade and economic relations between Oman and the Philippines and sought ways of enhancing economic cooperation especially in food and agribusiness industries, as well as the expansion of the Philippine furniture industry to Oman, which the Minister deemed lucrative in the Sohar and Duqm region, where investor incentives are being offered. 

The meeting concluded with an exchange of tokens between the Minister and the Ambassador. End.

Minister Al-Busaidi and Ambassador Jimeno exchange tokens at the conclusion of their meeting.