(GMA News) The Philippines is prepared to work with Saudi Arabia to improve 2access to COVID-19 vaccines as both nations sought to strengthen “multi-dimensional” ties.

In a Palace statement, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert E.A. Borje turned over President Rodrigo Duterte’s letter to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Waleed Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji.

The letter, which was addressed to Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, stated Duterte’s statement that the Philippines is ready to closely work with Saudi Arabia to “improve access to vaccines.”

Al-Khuraiji said this will be “considered” by the Saudi Arabia government.

Borja, likewise, said the Philippines thanked Saudi Arabia government for including Filipinos in it testing and inoculation program.

Aside from this, both nations reaffirmed their ties to uphold the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as well to coordinate in the battle against COVID-19.

Also, the “transformative cooperation” of Saudi Arabia and Philippines include “countering terrorism and violent extremism, trade and investment, support for development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), public health security, and cooperation in inter-regional and international fora.”

For his part, Al-Khuraiji said Saudi Arabia hoped for a lasting peace and development in Mindanao.