President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. returned to Manila on Wednesday after a two-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates, citing major gains in trade, sustainability cooperation, and defense ties.
Marcos said the trip placed the Philippines in global discussions on building a “future-ready world,” particularly on energy, food security, finance, and environmental concerns that directly affect Filipinos.
“I had productive dialogues focusing on the important sectors of energy, water, finance, food, and the environment—matters which affect every Filipino, both here and abroad,” the President said in his arrival statement.
During the visit, Marcos attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which he described as the world’s largest gathering of leaders focused on sustainability and long-term global challenges.
He also highlighted the signing of two key agreements: the Philippines–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.
“I am also happy to report on the successful signing of two (2) agreements of paramount importance to the Philippines,” Marcos said.
The CEPA marked the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation and is expected to expand market access and diversify sources of essential goods, with particular gains in services such as health, construction, professional services, and information technology.
“This enhancement of market access by the UAE for Filipino service providers is a clear recognition of the professional competence and excellence of Filipinos,” Marcos said.
On defense, the agreement opens avenues for cooperation in advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval capabilities, as the Philippines modernizes its armed forces.
“These new agreements were forged based on the strength of our bilateral relations with the UAE, founded on the strong people-to-people ties,” Marcos said.