PH, UAE elevate ties to highest point in 50 years

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo welcomed UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Manila, noting the "highest point" of Philippines-UAE relations in 50 years.

The two ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, tourism, transportation, agriculture, investment, space cooperation, and climate change.

Sheikh Abdullah also paid a courtesy call to President Marcos and the First Lady during his two-day visit.

Discussions included boosting bilateral ties through increased trade, investment, humanitarian aid, and people-to-people exchanges.

Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the Philippines and the UAE could begin, with a timeline of up to two years.

The UAE is a significant economic partner for the Philippines, ranking as its 6th largest source of remittances, 17th major trading partner, 21st largest export market, and 16th largest source of imports.