(Manama, Bahrain) President Rodrigo Duterte arrived here on Wednesday, April 12, for the second leg of his visit in Middle East countries in a bid to enhance economic and political relations with the Gulf states.

The President’s plane touched down at the Bahrain International Airport at 10:10 p.m. (3:10 a.m. in Manila)

Duterte came from a successful visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as part of his three-country swing to the Middle East.

Upon arrival, the Chief Executive was received by Bahrain’s Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa as well as Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver and other embassy officials.

The President will officially start his state visit here on Thursday where he will have a private lunch to be hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, will be hosting an official welcome ceremony for Duterte at the Sakhir Palace in the evening.

This will be followed by a bilateral meeting wherein the two leaders are expected to witness the signing of five agreements including a business investment deal.

An official dinner will also be hosted in honor of the visiting head of state.

On Friday, the President is scheduled to meet with His Royal Highness Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Deputy King, Crown Prince of Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit.

He will also meet with the Bahrain business leaders at the Capital Club, Harbour Tower.

The President’s visit will be capped with his regular meet and greet with the Filipino community, which will be held at the Khalifa Sports City.

Duterte will then proceed to Doha, Qatar for the final leg of his Middle East trip. ###PND