Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago says an agriculture cooperation agreement between his country and Saudi Arabia is ready for signing.

"We're just waiting for a bilateral opportunity for Philippines and the Kingdom for the agreement to be signed," the Filipino envoy said. He made the statement after inaugurating the Filipino Fest at the LuLu in Morabba district to mark the 116th celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.

Tago's delegation included Consul General and Minister Counselor Marshall Louis Alferez, Second Secretary and Consul Mary Jennifer D. Dingal, Second Secretary and Consul Winston Dean S. Almeda.

LuLu officials who welcomed the delegation included Regional Director Shehim Mohammed Unni and Commercial Manager Shafeek Rahman.

The festival "is a treat of Philippines' glorious flavors with an extensive range of ethnic food products and traditional dishes."

The envoy said that the Saudi private sector drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to look into rice investments in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

Saudi Agriculture Minister Fahd Balghonaim had headed a delegation to Philippines in this context a few years back. He added though that investment is not limited to southern Philippines where the majority of Filipino Muslims live but also in other parts of the country.

"We're open for investment from Saudi Arabia in the agriculture sector," he said, adding that some Saudi businessmen could have gone to Philippines for investment purposes.

The envoy noted that many Philippine products, including fresh food and fruits like bananas, are available at LuLu.