The recent state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the United Arab Emirates has set a significant precedent for deepened collaboration between the two nations. Following the high-profile meeting between President Marcos and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HE Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, released a statement emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines.
“The Philippines is a key strategic partner for the UAE and a high-growth economy in the heart of a rapidly growing region,” Al Sayegh said, reflecting on the long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership. His statement highlighted the shared ambition of both countries to align their strategies with sustainable development goals while fostering cooperation across various sectors.
Al Sayegh outlined the progress made over the past year, with the UAE and the Philippines signing six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) covering pivotal areas such as energy transition, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and cultural exchange. He expressed optimism about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to “enhance trade, promote deeper economic collaboration, spur tremendous growth, and positively affect the lives of millions of people in both countries.”
The Minister also reiterated the UAE’s appreciation for the Filipino community, which he described as integral to the country’s development. “The aid effort, under the directives of President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, demonstrates the dedication of the UAE to the values of solidarity and partnership and reflects the country’s support and strong appreciation for the Filipino community living in the UAE,” Al Sayegh said.
This visit marked a historic milestone as the first by a Philippine president to the UAE in 15 years, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of UAE-Philippine diplomatic relations. Both sides discussed ways to further enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with Al Sayegh noting the Philippines’ strategic role in the region and the potential for greater collaboration in the future.
