Marcos concludes state visit to Abu Dhabi, signs bilateral agreements

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his one-day state visit to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations established on August 19, 1974.

During the meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Marcos emphasized collaboration across sectors such as economy, trade, regional stability, and maritime issues, showcasing the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) to strengthen economic foundations.

Several bilateral agreements were signed during the visit, covering areas like culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, artificial intelligence, digital economy, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders, government activities improvement, investment cooperation, preventing plastic waste leakage into oceans, and combating human trafficking.

Senator Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III highlighted the meeting's importance in fostering enhanced collaboration between the two nations, particularly in areas of shared interest such as energy, infrastructure, and technology, emphasizing its potential to boost trade, investments, and job opportunities for the Philippines.

Marcos also expressed gratitude for the UAE's support of the Filipino community there and its humanitarian aid to typhoon victims in the Philippines, while both leaders welcomed exploring additional areas of cooperation such as security, counterterrorism, science and technology, and environmental initiatives.