MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay’s meeting with high officials of the government of Qatar yielded positive results.

"Qatar could be a major source of important investments for the Philippines, and is now our third trading partner in the Middle East,” Binay said.

“More than that, the Qataris are highly protective and openly biased in favor of Filipino professionals, semi-skilled and domestic workers, who now constitute about one-fifth of their native population," he added.

Binay and his small delegation were welcomed by Crown Prince Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at his offices in Amiri Diwan, Doha.

“Filipinos are always welcome in Doha. Our doors are open to them. They are hardworking, disciplined, highly skilled and very professional, and they have become part of our culture,” the Crown Prince said.
 
Aside from the Crown Prince, Binay also met with the Minister of Social Affairs and Acting Labor Minister Nasser bin Abdulla Al Hamaidi at the Ministry of Labor.

The Minister expressed his eagerness to see a greater Filipino labor presence in Qatar as it prepares to host the World Cup tournament in 2022.

The Vice President then went to the Philippine School Doha to meet with the Filipino community to personally listen to their concerns and answer questions from the 120 organizations present.
 
He also led the Filipino community at a mass, presided by Filipino Franciscan priest, Fr. Zachary Para, for the 3 departed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) inside the Philippine Embassy compound.