MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has conveyed his sincerest appreciation to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the expression of sympathy and solidarity with the victims of Typhoon Odette, which devastated Mindanao and Visayas last week.

During a telephone conversation with the emir Tuesday, President Duterte welcomed Qatar’s offer of assistance for the rehabilitation of affected communities in the Visayas and northern Mindanao.

The two leaders instructed their respective secretaries and ministers of interior government to coordinate directly to facilitate the entry of humanitarian assistance from Qatar.

The President Duterte said Qatar “is and will always be a friend of the Philippines,” thanking the Qatari government for the humane treatment of Filipinos living and working in the Mideast country.

For his part, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said that Filipinos are appreciated in Qatar. At the same time, the Qatari leader praised the President for his strong leadership, and wished him the best as he fulfills his mandate.

In April 2017, President Duterte had a state visit in Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, as part of a three-country Middle East trip. (PND)