Marcos heads to UAE to boost trade, defense, and sustainability ties

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will undertake a working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and sustainable development, according to Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver.

During the visit, Marcos is set to meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking their second meeting in just 14 months.

Ver said the President’s series of engagements underscores the growing momentum in Philippines–UAE relations, following a 15-year gap in high-level visits between the two countries.

In an interview with Radio Television Malacañang, Ver said the meeting reflects both symbolic and substantive progress in bilateral ties.

The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the UAE president, will include Marcos’ participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a major global forum focused on climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable economic growth.

Ver said the Philippines’ presence at the event is significant given the country’s vulnerability to climate change and its experience in climate adaptation and resilience.

At least 12 to 14 heads of state are expected to attend the forum this year, placing the Philippines among key global participants in high-level sustainability discussions.

Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has been under negotiation for several years.

Ver said the agreement will broaden cooperation in trade, services, and investments and provide the Philippines with expanded access to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

A Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation is also expected to be finalized.

According to Ver, the agreement will cover joint training, officer exchanges, and information sharing, enhancing security cooperation between the two countries. Existing collaboration already includes information sharing on terrorism, transnational crime, illegal drugs, and human trafficking.

Ver added that bilateral relations have expanded beyond traditional labor cooperation to include emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and the digital economy.

During his stay in Abu Dhabi, Marcos is also scheduled to meet with business leaders and members of the Filipino community.

The visit is expected to further elevate Philippines–UAE relations and open new avenues for long-term cooperation.