Marcos’ visit boosts PHL economic, trade ties with UAE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) President Mohamed Bin Zayed on Tuesday said he had met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to boost their ties in economy and trade. In an X post, Mr. Zayed said he discussed with Mr. Marcos “opportunities to further deepen cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across vital fields, […]
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) President Mohamed Bin Zayed on Tuesday said he had met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to boost their ties in economy and trade.
In an X post, Mr. Zayed said he discussed with Mr. Marcos “opportunities to further deepen cooperation between the UAE and the Philippines across vital fields, including economy, trade, and sustainability.”
“As our countries celebrate 50 years of friendship and collaboration, we remain committed to blistering ties and bringing lasting benefit to our peoples,” he added.
The Philippine Presidential Communications Office on Tuesday said in a statement that the two leaders emphasized their dedication to strengthen bilateral ties and deliver lasting benefits to their peoples, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of friendship and collaboration between their nations.
It said Mr. Marcos thanked his counterpart for assisting in the arrest and turnover of a sex trafficker to Philippine authorities and the training and support for the Philippine National Police.
“The President also thanked the UAE for pardoning 143 Filipinos during this year’s Eid al-Adha and for its humanitarian aid to victims of recent flooding in the Philippines,” it added.
Mr. Marcos left the Philippines at 9:11 p.m. for his one-day working visit to the UAE, his office said on Monday evening.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cesar B. Chavez said the Philippine leader was accompanied by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin de Castro Abalos, Jr., “who has close ties with UAE Royal Family.”
Cabinet officials who were already in the UAE ahead of Mr. Marcos’ visit include Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, who is participating in discussions regarding an agreement on preventing leakage of plastic waste into the ocean, Mr. Chavez said.
He added that National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chair Victorino “Ino” M. Manalo will sign a cultural cooperation deal with the UAE government.
Mr. Chavez said Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles C. Jose will accompany Mr. Marcos in his courtesy call on the UAE President.
The UAE is the Philippines 18th largest trade partner, with their total trade hitting $1.88 billion in 2023, according to the Trade department.
It said Manila’s exports to the UAE reached $341.97 million, while its imports from the Arab nation stood at $1.54 billion. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza
