Al Mutaiwee receives the Special Envoy to the Middle East Countries from the office of the President of Philippines

The meeting discussed the situation in Iraq and the Gulf Region, and focused on the new intended role of the Philippines to help Iraq, through a regional office which will open shortly in Dubai for the purpose.

H.E. Mr. Ibazeta, who has vast experience gained during his former position as the Minister of Foreign Affairs said: "We deem that establishing this office in Dubai to follow up the Middle East countries affairs, after we realized that all ways lead to Dubai, even they are bounding for Iraq." He praised the distinguished sub-structure and powerful markets of Dubai, in addition to good relationships that are connecting it to the region and the world.

Al Mutaiwee stated: "For a long time we kept exerting efforts and planning carefully for the day and the future. However, we endeavour to gain the maximum benefit of our resources and direct our vision to the future. In addition, we try to diversify those resources by opening new sectors. Although Dubai does not have a vast area like Hong Kong, Singapore or London, we have succeeded under the guidance of our wise political leadership to achieve security, stability and economic growth. Dubai has justified its international prestige that qualified the Emirate to host major events such as Dubai 2003 which took place last month. Added to that, we have good relationships with various countries and a wide range of markets.

Al Mutaiwee assured that the relationship between Dubai and Iraq were still forceful enough in spite of all fluctuations, and stated: "We have the capability to transport any commodity or goods to their markets whether by land, sea or air."

He added: "We are ready to help Iraq in order to rebuild its economy, and for that purpose, last July we established the Iraqi Business Council, under the umbrella of the Chamber so that we can realize the communicability and bilateral cooperation in the trade and business fields, as that council comprises a number of Iraqi businessmen residing in Dubai and working in Iraq through their partners, or sub-contractors there.

The Director General of DCCI replied positively on the Philippine's Envoy upon his inquiry whether UAE would participate in the Donor Countries to Iraq that would be held in Spain, and added: "We hope that our Iraqi brothers would be able to recover from their injuries, and rebuild their country so that losses will be minimal. The submission of DCCI's initiative of establishing the Iraqi Business Council to the Iraqi people has come in the form of helping them to start organizing themselves.

The meeting also discussed a number of issues including the arrangements regarding the setting up of the Philippines' office intended to be established in Dubai. The Philippines Minister stated that in the past, his country was not interested in the Middle East affairs, although there are 6-7 million Philippines citizens working all over the world. He said: "I believe that the activity of our office in Dubai would enable us to act remuneratively in the region."