Philippines President starts Bahrain state visit

Manama: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte arrived here last night for the second leg of his visit in Middle East countries in a bid to enhance economic and political relations with the Gulf states.

Duterte came from a successful visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of his three-country swing to the Middle East.
Upon arrival, he was received by Deputy Prime Minister HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa as well as Philippine Ambassador Alfonso Ver and other embassy officials.

The President will officially start his state visit today where he will have a private lunch to be hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa will be hosting an official welcome ceremony for Duterte at the Sakhir Palace in the evening.

This will be followed by a bilateral meeting wherein the two leaders are expected to witness the signing of five agreements including a business investment deal.

An official dinner will also be hosted in honor of the visiting head of state.

On Friday, the President is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Circuit.

He will also meet with the Bahrain business leaders at the Capital Club, Harbour Tower.

The President’s visit will be capped with his regular meet and greet with the Filipino community, which will be held at the Khalifa Sports City. Duterte will then proceed to Doha, Qatar for the final leg of his Middle East trip.