MANILA, Philippines?Qatar Telecoms QSC (Qtel), the sole telecommunications provider in Qatar, said it signed a memorandum of understanding with food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. as part of the former's expansion and consolidation in Southeast Asia.

In a statement, Qtel said the strategic agreement will allow the two companies to explore joint opportunities in the broadband and mobile telecom services in the Philippines.

Qtel, through its wi-tribe brand, already supports broadband wireless services in the emerging markets. The wi-tribe provides Wi-MAX services in Jordan and is in the process of launching new offerings in Pakistan.

Senior Qtel executives on Sunday met President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to review potential areas of cooperation in broadband Internet technology in the Philippines.

The meeting is part of Arroyo's working visit to Qatar to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

"We see huge opportunities for growth and partnership within the Philippines and this meeting provided an important opportunity for Qtel to communicate its ambitions and its obligations to the people of the Republic," Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, chairman of Qtel, who led the Qtel delegation, said.