PHILIPPINES — Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Bin Abdulkarim Al‑Khereiji met on July 24, 2026 to map out a future that goes deeper than the 970,000 Filipinos working in the Kingdom. The bilateral talks, held on the sidelines of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, charted a course from excellent people‑to‑people relations toward stronger trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
A Partnership Rooted in Mutual Gratitude
Secretary Lazaro opened the meeting by thanking Saudi Arabia for enabling 5,300 Filipino Muslims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The smooth facilitation of this sacred journey underscored the Kingdom’s consistent support for the spiritual needs of its Filipino residents. Vice Minister Al‑Khereiji reciprocated by praising the Filipino community as well‑assimilated and essential to Saudi society.
He cited their significant contributions across multiple sectors, reflecting a relationship that has matured over 56 years of diplomatic ties. The exchange set a warm tone for discussions that would soon pivot to economic ambitions. Both officials acknowledged that the foundation of trust built by generations of overseas Filipino workers has created a reservoir of goodwill that can now support broader collaboration.
Humanitarian Milestones That Save Lives
The conversation also highlighted a remarkable medical partnership. Secretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s successful separation of two pairs of Filipino conjoined twins this year. The complex surgeries, performed at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital, marked the third Filipino case under the Saudi program.
Vice Minister Al‑Khereiji noted that these life‑changing procedures exemplify the depth of the bilateral relationship. The humanitarian achievements demonstrate that the ties between Manila and Riyadh extend beyond contracts and remittances. For Filipino families, the Saudi program represents hope, healing, and the tangible compassion of a longtime ally.
Pivoting Toward Trade and Investment
While the people‑centered wins were celebrated, both ministers agreed that much more can be pursued. Secretary Lazaro and Vice Minister Al‑Khereiji acknowledged that trade and investment levels have not yet matched the strength of labor ties. They committed to convene the next round of political consultations later this year to advance economic cooperation.
The planned consultations aim to open new avenues for Philippine goods and services in the Saudi market while attracting Saudi capital into Philippine infrastructure, energy, and technology. For the Philippines, diversifying economic engagement with the Gulf’s largest economy reduces over‑reliance on manpower exports. The move signals a maturing partnership that can generate growth for both nations.
A Shared Commitment to Peace
Both officials also exchanged views on the volatile situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed that international law must be upheld. They expressed optimism that their two countries can contribute meaningfully to regional stability. The meeting ended with a shared commitment to broaden cooperation across all fields, leveraging a friendship that has spanned more than five decades and now looks confidently toward the future.
