President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines on Wednesday, November 27, at around 10 a.m. following his one-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In his arrival statement, the President said that although his trip to the UAE was brief, it was fruitful.
According to Marcos, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening its relationship with the UAE.
Marcos expressed optimism about the implementation of agreements in various sectors, including culture, energy, legal cooperation, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.
He also highlighted agreements aimed at enhancing government activities, facilitating visas for holders of diplomatic and special official passports, and fostering investment cooperation.
The President expressed his gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for understanding his shortened trip, citing the need to address the urgent needs of typhoon-affected areas back in the Philippines.
He also thanked the UAE for its assistance to disaster victims. Marcos further shared that the UAE expressed its gratitude for the contributions of Filipinos to their nation.
“During my meeting with the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, I expressed the appreciation of the Philippines for UAE’s government care and respect for the Filipino community in the UAE," Marcos said.
"In response, the UAE President commended the Filipino people for their contribution towards UAE’s development," he added.
The UAE President emphasized the significant contributions of Filipinos to Emirati society, highlighting their civility and gentleness as qualities he greatly values.
An estimated 700,000 Filipinos currently live and work in the UAE.
Marcos also shared that he invited the UAE President to visit the Philippines again to continue their dialogue and explore additional areas of cooperation.
