President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will travel to the United Arab Emirates next week for a high-level working visit that will combine global sustainability discussions with the signing of major bilateral agreements, Malacañang said Thursday.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos will attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where he is set to join world leaders in talks on energy transition, water security, climate action, food systems, and sustainable finance.
The visit comes upon the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the deepening ties between Manila and Abu Dhabi.
A key highlight of the trip will be the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, marking the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country.
Malacañang said the deal is expected to widen market access for Philippine goods and services and strengthen economic engagement with the Gulf region.
Marcos is also set to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, which will provide a framework for closer collaboration in defense technologies and other security initiatives.
The Palace said the President views the UAE visit as timely and strategic, positioning the Philippines as an active player in global sustainability efforts while securing concrete economic and security gains for Filipinos.