Saudi Arabia lauded its “steadily growing” relations with the Philippines and vowed to sustain development cooperation as both nations mark the 56th anniversary of diplomatic ties next month.
At the Saudi National Day reception in Makati City, Ambassador Faisal Ebraheem Alghamdi highlighted over USD5.8 million worth of humanitarian projects from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, covering at least 16 initiatives in key sectors such as health.
Among the Kingdom’s assistance this year was the sponsorship of the successful separation surgery of conjoined twins Kleah and Maureen Ann, the third Filipino twins to benefit from Saudi medical aid.
Riyadh also expanded educational cooperation by granting 265 scholarships to Filipinos for academic year 2025–2026. “This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to strengthening cultural and educational relations with the Philippines,” Alghamdi said.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega welcomed the stronger ties, noting the Philippines looks forward to deeper cooperation with the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations on October 24, 1969. Today, over 700,000 Filipinos live and work in the Arab state.