Bahrain assures Philippines of support to counter extremism, promote welfare of workers

May 14, 2018

Bahrain has assured the Philippines of its support for Manila’s efforts to counter violent extremism, forge economic partnerships, and promote the welfare of its overseas workers.

The assurances were given to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano in his meetings with ranking Bahraini officials during his two-day official visit to Manama, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a press statement Monday.

“We are going home with assurances from the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Bahrain that they are friends and partners the Philippines can count on,” Cayetano said.

On Sunday,  Cayetano met with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the Alzahir Palace where they discussed areas where the Philippines and Bahrain could strengthen bilateral relations, such as trade and investment and countering violent extremism.

“The Crown Prince also expressed admiration for President Duterte’s strong and decisive action in fighting terrorism in Marawi,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano also met Prime Minister Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa who reiterated his government’s support for the Philippines and Filipinos working in Bahrain.

During their meeting at the Gudaibiya Palace,  Cayetano said the prime minister not only commended the 60,000 Filipinos working in the Kingdom but also reiterated his government’s readiness to receive more.

“Prime Minister Khalifa told us that we have nothing to worry about as far as our workers are concerned and he even gave his personal assurance that his office will deal with any problem that may involve our countrymen,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano also met Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

Both discussed plans for the holding of the 1st High Joint Commission Meeting between the Philippines and Bahrain  in Manila.

Cayetano was accompanied during his meetings by Taguig Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano, Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Amable Aguiluz V, Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and Africa Affairs Hjayceelyn Quintana.

The visit of  Cayetano to Manama came two weeks after Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola met with Prime Minister Khalifa. DMS