MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan committed on Tuesday to deepening cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade and sustainability.
During their meeting in Abu Dhabi, the two leaders emphasized their dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and delivering lasting benefits to their peoples, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of friendship and collaboration between their nations.
President Marcos, during his one-day official visit to the UAE, personally expressed his gratitude to President Al Nahyan for UAE’s assistance in several matters, including the arrest and turnover of a sex trafficker to the Philippine authorities and the training and support for the Philippine National Police (PNP).
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.
The Philippines and the UAE established diplomatic relations on August 19, 1974. They are marking this year the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
Almost 700,000 Filipinos are working or staying in the UAE, contributing to the Gulf state’s development. (PND)