President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today thanked the outgoing Ambassadors of Kuwait and Yemen for their "exemplary efforts" in enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and their respective countries.

Kuwaiti Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ibrahim Muhanna Al-Muhanna and Yemeni Ambassador Abdulwhab Mohamed Al-Shawkani paid a separate farewell visits to the President this afternoon at the Malacañang’s Ramos Room.

During the call, the President awarded the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) to out-going Kuwait Ambassador Al-Muhanna.

The Kuwait Ambassador extended his invitation to the President to visit his country.

He lauded Foreign Affairs personnel for being helpful during his tour of duty in the Philippines.

He told the President that he cannot forget her hospitality while he was in the Philippines.

President Macapagal-Arroyo responded by also citing the protection being extended by the Kuwaiti government to the Filipinos working in that country.

"I cannot forget the hospitality you have extended to the Filipinos in Kuwait despite the Iraq hostilities. Filipinos are very loyal workers," the President told the Kuwaiti ambassador.

She also requested the Kuwaiti Ambassador to convey her gratitude to the Kuwait Amir Sheikh Jaber-Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the financial assistance he had given for Muslim Mindanao.

The Kuwait Ambassador was accompanied to Malacanang by Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Bayani Mangibin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

The Yemeni envoy also thanked President Macapagal-Arroyo for his memorable stay in Manila, adding he looks forward to coming back here as an ordinary civilian.

He said that he intends to contribute more in enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mrs. Macapagal-Arroyo sought Yemen’s support for the Philippines bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

"We are seeking a lasting peace and development in Mindanao, as well as peaceful relations with other Muslim countries," the President told the Yemeni diplomat.

She also thanked the Yemeni ambassador for the protection the Yemen government had extended to Filipinos staying in his country.

The Yemeni Ambassador was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Norberto Basilio.