QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) — Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud and other Saudi government officials welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte as the presidential plane carrying him touched down at King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday.
The plane arrived at 2:43 AM PST.
Duterte is on a two-day state visit to boost bilateral ties between the two countries.
Among the other government officials who welcomed the president were Consul General Imelda Panolong, charge d’Affairs, Philippine Embassy-Riyadh; Consuls Iric Arribas, Christopher Patrick Aro, Mary Jennifer Dingal; and Vice Consuls Noel Fernandez and Von Ryan Ferrera.
Upon arrival, the President and the members of his delegation proceeded to the King Saud Guest Palace.
During the state visit, the two countries aim to establish at least three bilateral agreements, which include an agreement to protect Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia; an agreement between the two countries’ foreign ministries to regularly discuss areas of cooperation between them; and an agreement between the two countries’ diplomatic units to explore areas of cooperation.
According to Arribas, the government of Saudi Arabia has also offered its help to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines.
President Duterte is set to attend a welcome ceremony today at the Royal Private Residence, followed by a bilateral meeting and a signing ceremony.
On Wednesday, he will attend a Philippine-Riyadh Trade and Investment forum and will meet the Filipino community at the Marriott Hotel Riyadh afterwards.
Duterte will be bound for Bahrain late afternoon on Wednesday, April 12.
Jodi Bustos, Eagle News Service