President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing to broaden the Philippines’ partnership with Oman following a series of high-profile interventions by the Gulf state on behalf of Filipino workers and seafarers, including the release of hostages held by Houthi rebels and the granting of royal pardons to overseas Filipino workers.
Oman’s ambassador to Manila, Nasser bin Said bin Abdullah Al Manwari, presented his credentials to Marcos at Malacañang on Tuesday, using the occasion to personally deliver a letter from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The meeting gave both sides an opportunity to take stock of a relationship that has grown well beyond standard diplomatic formality.
Marcos credited Oman with facilitating the release and repatriation of 17 Filipino seafarers who had been held captive by Houthi rebels in January 2025, and nine more in December of that year. The President also acknowledged Muscat’s decision to extend royal pardons to OFWs in the country, which is home to nearly 49,000 Filipinos.
“We recognize Oman’s support in the safe return of our seafarers and the assistance extended to our OFWs during difficult times. These partnerships make a real difference in protecting and supporting our kababayans abroad,” Marcos said on his social media accounts.
At the height of the Middle East conflict, Oman moved quickly to open its borders to Filipinos seeking to leave the region — a gesture Malacañang described as that of a “reliable partner” in times of crisis. Al Manwari reaffirmed his government’s readiness to continue assisting the Philippines and its nationals whenever needed.
Both leaders voiced concern over continuing hostilities in the region, and called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
“We will keep building on this momentum, expanding opportunities, improving mobility, and opening more doors for Filipinos,” Marcos added.
The President also pointed to economic engagement as a pillar of the relationship’s next chapter, commending Oman for hosting the 2nd Oman–Cebu Investment Forum in Muscat in February and expressing his anticipation for the 3rd Investment Forum, which is set to be held in Manila.
The Philippines and Oman established diplomatic relations on October 6, 1980. Forty-six years on, Marcos signaled that the partnership is poised to move into broader territory — covering labor mobility, investment, and bilateral cooperation that extends well past crisis response.
