In a statement published on the editorial page of the Manila Bulletin, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines, Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi, highlighted the flourishing relationship between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of the Philippines as the two nations commemorate the anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Ambassador Alzaabi’s message emphasized the enduring and deepening partnership between the two countries, which has grown significantly over the past five decades.
“Since its founding more than 52 years ago, the UAE has actively cultivated political ties and fostered economic cooperation with the international community. Our partnership with the Republic of the Philippines epitomizes shared aspirations, building bridges of collaboration and communication, and strong people-to-people ties,” stated Alzaabi, reflecting on the historical and strategic bonds between the two nations.
He underscored the evolution of these ties, which began under the leadership of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and have continued to thrive under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, alongside the visionary leadership of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ambassador Alzaabi praised the extensive cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, minerals, and telecommunications. He also highlighted the profound cultural exchange fostered through the presence of a large Filipino community in the UAE, which contributes to the country’s multicultural fabric and economic growth.
Within the last year alone, the UAE and the Philippines have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), paving the way for enhanced collaboration. These agreements, including the anticipated Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), are expected to bring about significant advancements in bilateral trade and investment.
The ambassador also mentioned recent high-level exchanges between the two nations’ leaders, such as the phone conversation between Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Marcos Jr. in June 2023, and the subsequent visit of UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Manila in June 2024. These interactions, he noted, are clear indicators of the mutual determination to seek even greater opportunities for cooperation.
In addition to economic and political collaborations, Ambassador Alzaabi highlighted the focus on climate change, sustainability, and disaster resilience, with the UAE actively supporting the Philippines in various capacities, including its bid to host the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, established during COP28 in Dubai.
The UAE’s commitment to humanitarian efforts was also evident last month when it became the first country to dispatch a plane carrying relief aid to the Philippines following landslides and floods caused by Typhoon Carina. This gesture, directed by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscores the UAE’s solidarity with the Filipino people and its appreciation for the contributions of the Filipino community in the UAE.
Ambassador Alzaabi concluded his statement by expressing optimism for the future, noting that the foundations have been laid for a new, closely-aligned phase in UAE-Philippines relations. He envisioned the next 50 years as a period of continued growth and prosperity for both nations.
“Now, through strong collaboration and cooperation, we are working towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, unlocking new partnerships to benefit our peoples and the wider world for future generations. Maligayang anibersaryo UAE… Maligayang anibersaryo Pilipinas!” he declared, marking the occasion with a warm message of celebration.