HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain received President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at Sakhir Palace April 13, praising the Philippine leader’s keenness on developing bilateral relations between the two nations, reported Bahrain News Agency.
President Duterte arrived at the Sakhir Palace, where he was accorded an official welcome ceremony with military honors led by King Hamad.
After the official reception was held in honour of the Philippine President hosted by the King of Bahrain, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting expanding cooperation in all areas.
They also signed several agreements that will further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The President was accompanied by his official delegation, among are Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and Special Envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu.
Following the bilateral meeting, President Duterte and His Majesty King Hamad witnessed the signing of four agreements including memoranda of understanding aimed at bolstering friendly ties between the Philippines and Bahrain.
Also signed was the protocol amending the convention between the two countries for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income and on capital.
The protocol was signed by Manalo and Bahrain’s Minister of Finance Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa .
Lastly, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Bahrain’s Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed signed the protocol to amend and supplement the air services agreement between Bahrain and the Philippines.
After the signing, the President and his official delegation attended an official dinner hosted by His Majesty King Hamad in honor of the visiting head of state.
