JEDDAH, 5 August 2004 — The Philippines’ newly elected Vice President Noli de Castro has expressed his desire to visit Saudi Arabia and strengthen political and economic relations between the two countries.
“I would like to visit the Middle East and Saudi Arabia will be one of my first destinations because of its Islamic and international position,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted de Castro as saying.
He welcomed Saudi businessmen and investors to the Philippines and said they would be provided with all facilities, especially to invest in the tourist regions.
The vice president made this comment while receiving Saudi ambassador to the Philippines, Muhammad Ameen Muhammad Wali, who conveyed him the greetings of Crown Prince Abdullah.
De Castro emphasized the Philippine government’s desire to boost bilateral ties, especially in political, economic and cultural areas, the agency said.
“The Philippines looks forward to strengthening relations with Middle Eastern countries in general and Saudi Arabia in particular,” the vice president said, adding that there are more than a million Filipinos working in Saudi Arabia.
