In a milestone meeting celebrating five decades of diplomatic ties, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. The historic encounter, held in Abu Dhabi, sought to deepen bilateral cooperation in key areas, including the economy, trade, and sustainability.
President Marcos arrived in the UAE early Tuesday morning for a working visit, landing at 2:06 a.m. local time. Presidential Communications Office Acting Secretary Cesar Chavez confirmed the arrival, highlighting the significance of the trip.
Ngayon ay tinanggap ko si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr (@bongbongmarcos) sa Abu Dhabi upang talakayin ang mga pagkakataon na higit pang palalimin ang kooperasyon sa pagitan ng UAE at Pilipinas sa mga mahahalagang larangan, kabilang ang ekonomiya, kalakalan, at pagpapanatili.… pic.twitter.com/UIGB63fGIr
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 26, 2024
In a social media post, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warmly welcomed the Philippine president, underscoring the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“Ngayon ay tinanggap ko si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa Abu Dhabi upang talakayin ang mga pagkakataon na higit pang palalimin ang kooperasyon sa pagitan ng UAE at Pilipinas sa mga mahahalagang larangan, kabilang ang ekonomiya, kalakalan, at pagpapanatili,” the UAE President wrote in Tagalog, a gesture reflecting his respect for the Filipino community. “Habang ipinagdiriwang ng ating mga bansa ang 50 taon ng pagkakaibigan at pagtutulungan, nananatili tayong nakatuon sa pagpapatibay ng mga ugnayan at pagbibigay ng pangmatagalang pakinabang sa ating mga mamamayan.”
The meeting comes at a time when the UAE is home to over 700,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), contributing significantly to the UAE’s labor force and cultural fabric. During the discussions, President Marcos expressed his gratitude for the UAE’s commitment to fostering a tolerant and inclusive environment for Filipinos.
Accompanying President Marcos were several key officials, including former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who reportedly shares close ties with the UAE royal family. The Philippine delegation also included Environment Secretary Toni Loyzaga, National Commission for Culture and Arts Chairperson Vic Manalo, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose.
