Manila, May 8 -- The Philippines and Qatari governments discussed strengthening relations, especially on the political and economic fields, in a bilateral consultation in Manila.

The foreign affairs ministries of the two states convened the 2nd Joint Consultation Meeting (JCM) on Political Matters at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office on Wednesday.

The DFA said the high-level meeting reviewed the progress of the countries' cooperation on political and economic matters, as well as cooperation in the fields of energy, defense, health, education, youth, sports, and tourism.

"Possible exchanges of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed. The heads of the two delegations ...