With its more than 7,000 unique islands, verdant and lush greenscapes, sparkling waters, diverse kinds of flora and fauna, and smiling, warm people, the Philippines beguiles, charms and encourages its visitors to stay. Warning: it’s easy to be swayed.
The Philippines has been sending its people to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since time immemorial. Based on a report provided by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are a total of registered Filipinos in the Kingdom is 937,020 as of 31 August 2017.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were established on 20 October 1969, with a Philippine Mission first opened in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 23 December 1973. This was then transferred to Riyadh in July 1985. For its part, the Saudi Government opened its Embassy in Manila in 1974.
Over the years, relations between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been robust. Notably, the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a number of agreements since 1980, mostly under the auspices of the Joint Commission Meetings. The bilateral mechanism was established under the 1994 General Framework Agreement on Economic, Trade, Commercial, Investment and Technical Cooperation.
On April 9-13, 2017, President Rodrigo R. Duterte visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and met with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and other high officials of the Host Government to further strengthen the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, three agreements on labor cooperation, political consultations and cooperation programs were signed between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Philippines and Saudi Arabia share common interests in International politics and economics. They have been on the same side on many issues, and on many occasions both countries supported each other’s candidatures in UN agencies and other international organizations.
Both countries share the same vision of promoting peace among nations. In particular, Saudi Arabia supports the peace process in the Southern Philippines. Saudi Arabia, through its active membership in the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), assisted in facilitating Government of the Republic of the Philippines – Moro National Liberation Front (GRP-MNLF) Peace Agreement.
Where To Go
Visit the country’s top tourist destination, Boracay, where the water is crystal clear, the stretch of white sand and sunsets are picture-perfect, and the party goes on all night long.
- Palawan is the true adventurer’s paradise where one can go swimming, diving, and kayaking. Visit the Underground River of Puerto Princesa, go island hopping in Coron, and enjoy the luxe life at the sustainable island resorts in El Nido.
- Experience all of nature’s treasures in Cebu with a side trip to Bohol: sand, sun, sea, and wildlife, including history and food! Don’t miss the beaches of Malaspascua and Moalboal and the famed Chocolate Hills.
- Banaue Rice Terraces, the 2,000-year-old terraces carved into the mountains by the ancestors of indigenous people, is frequently called the “eighth wonder of the world. The provinces in the Cordillera region is where you can touch the clouds and inhale the freshest of cool mountain air.
What To Do
Eat your way to every nook and cranny of the Philippines. Be it tasty food cooked right in the streets or fast food that rivals international chains or gastronomic indulgences in high-end restaurants, they are right here to fill you up!
- Discover the 7,000 islands of the Philippines by touring the country. Whether by car, bus, train, boat, or plane, everything is connected and within your reach in this archipelago. If pressed for time, island hop in Coron, Palawan.
- Attend the colorful festivals in the Philippines! Revel in the dancing, singing, and street parties at the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Sinulog in Cebu, Panagbenga in Baguio, Kadayawan in Davao, or Pahiyas in Quezon.
- Climb mountains! Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the country has a mountain suitable for mountaineers. The tallest of them all is Mt. Apo in Mindanao. Other scenic hikes can be found in Mt. Pinatubo and Taal Volcano.
- Immerse yourself in water activities. From jet skiing to parasailing to swimming to diving to snorkelling… the country brings unending options for you to get a tan and sunbathe all day long! Wear sunscreen!
- Sway to the groove of the Philippines’ megacity, Manila. True, it’s chaotic and congested but the energy is always high and happy! It’s thriving!
