Marcos departs for UAE state visit to sign agreements

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for a one-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday night.

During his visit, Marcos will meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) highlighted that agreements are expected to be signed during Marcos' visit, including one on preventing plastic waste leakage into the ocean with Environment Secretary Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga accompanying him.

National Commission on Culture and Arts chair Victorino Manalo will sign a cultural cooperation agreement, while Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose will accompany Marcos on his courtesy call to the UAE President.

Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who has close ties with the UAE Royal Family, is also part of Marcos' lean delegation.