UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Abu Dhabi on November 26, 2024. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. held a landmark meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (November 26) to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster collaboration on key issues. The meeting, held during Marcos’ one-day working visit, highlighted 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The leaders discussed "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 bolstering ties and bringing lasting benefit to our peoples,” Sheikh Mohamed said. Marcos was accompanied on his Abu Dhabi trip by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver, Ministry of Foreign Affairs undersecretary Charles Jose, environment minister Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga; National Commission for Culture and Arts chairperson Vic Manalo; and Special ambassador to UAE for Trade and Investments Ma. Anna Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. PMarcos expressed gratitude for the UAE's efforts in supporting the Filipino community. “The UAE has been a second home to millions of Filipinos, and we deeply value the country’s commitment to their well-being,” he said. The UAE hosts over 600,000 Filipinos, and this meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to fostering cultural and economic ties. Economic cooperation and trade were focal points of the dialogue, with potential agreements set to boost both nations’ economies. UAE is one of the Philippines’ top trading partners, and bilateral trade reached $2 billion last year. Marcos also acknowledged the UAE’s disaster relief assistance following typhoons in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of mutual aid in times of crisis. According to the Philippine Presidential Communications Office, Marcos will head back to Manila later on Tuesday to resume his oversight of the country’s relief and reconstruction activities. ICA/Expat Media
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