MANILA, Philippines – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) acknowledged the “significant achievements” and “remarkable progress” in its bilateral relations with the Philippines, particularly beyond the traditional sectors, its Foreign Ministry said.
This is after the working visit to the UAE of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on November 26, 2024, where he met H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, “to discuss the positive status and trajectory of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries that is deeply rooted in shared interests and mutual cooperation,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The meeting of the two leaders comes as the Philippines and the UAE mark the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations this year, the statement added.
During the meeting, the two leaders noted the expansion of relations into new areas of cooperation, as well as the announcement of the signing of key agreements in the following fields: Cooperation in the Culture Sector; Energy Transition Cooperation; Legal Cooperation Agreements (Extradition, Mutual Legal Assistance, and Transfer of Sentenced Persons); Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy; Improvement and Development of Government Activities; Visa Waiver for Diplomatic, Special and Official Passport Holders; and Investment Cooperation between the Ministry of Investment of the UAE and Maharlika Investment Fund of the Republic of Philippines.
Both sides also acknowledged the significant achievements and remarkable progress in the implementation of existing agreements between the two countries in various fields, and committed to further boosting cooperation in the fields of combating human trafficking, sports, consular services, space science, climate action, agriculture, economic and technical cooperation, investment promotion and protection, by exploring opportunities in green technologies, digital infrastructure and innovation and enhancing digital infrastructure (data centers), the Foreign Ministry shared.
The leaders also discussed the significant progress made in the negotiations of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries, and highlighted its potential to unlock economic benefits for both nations and their people, the Foreign Ministry mentioned.
Both sides stressed the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest opportunity, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual prosperity and strengthening economic ties, the Ministry added.
Meanwhile, President Marcos conveyed his gratitude to President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the UAE’s humanitarian assistance and support to the Philippines in times of natural disasters, and large-scale calamities such as the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Also, Marcos expressed heartfelt appreciation for the UAE’s hospitality to the Filipino community working and living in the UAE, the Ministry said.
