No mere friendship

Throughout the past five decades, the Philippines and the UAE have forged robust relations anchored in strong people-to-people ties that serve as the foundation of the close bilateral ties and continues to deliver meaningful benefits to the peoples of both nations.

In the Philippines’ high-level visit to the United Arab Emirates on 26 November President Marcos met with President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the positive status and trajectory of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, deeply rooted in shared interests and mutual cooperation.

The meeting of the two leaders comes as the Philippines and the UAE mark the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

The two leaders welcomed the current positive state and direction of the Philippines-UAE bilateral relations that have reached a historic unprecedented level since formal ties were established.

The leaders noted the expansion of relations into new areas of cooperation beyond the traditional sectors.

They welcomed the announcement of the signing of key agreements and cooperations on cultural development, energy transition, legal agreements (extradition, mutual legal assistance and transfer of sentenced persons), artificial intelligence and digital economy, improvement and development of government activities, visa waiver for diplomatic, special and official passport holders, and investment cooperation between the Ministry of Investment of the UAE and Maharlika Investment Fund of the Philippines.

Cognizant of the diverse opportunities and potential to further boost ties between the two countries, the leaders welcomed exploring additional avenues of cooperation in the following areas: security and counterterrorism, science and technology, and the environment, including through the reduction of plastic waste from the Pasig River and its leakage into the ocean in the Philippines.

In addition to plastic-waste management, the Philippines showed keenness to join the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action that launched by the UAE and Brazil during COP28, which includes 34 countries and 25 intergovernmental and non-governmental agencies. 

They acknowledged the significant achievements and remarkable progress in the implementation of existing agreements between their countries in various fields, and committed to further boosting cooperation in the fields of combating human trafficking, sports, consular services, space science, climate action, agriculture, economic and technical cooperation, investment promotion and protection, by exploring opportunities in green technologies, digital infrastructure and innovation and enhancing digital infrastructure (data centers). 

The leaders recognized the significant progress made in the negotiations of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries, and highlighted its potential to unlock economic benefits for both nations and their people.

The parties stressed the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest opportunity, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing mutual prosperity and strengthening economic ties. 

UAE has been unwavering in its extension of humanitarian assistance and support to the Philippines in times of natural disasters, and large-scale calamities, such as the Covid-19 global pandemic.

The two leaders welcomed the rich and profound contributions of the Filipino community residing in the UAE to the economic development and prosperity of the country.

They acknowledge that peaceful coexistence and tolerance are significant pillars of the UAE, and is deeply embedded in its unique social fabric.