President Marcos met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in November 2024 to strengthen ties in defense, trade, and sustainability. Photo courtesy of UAE Embassy – Manila/Facebook.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, next week for a working visit, Malacañang announced Thursday.
The President’s schedule on January 12 includes signing a defense cooperation memorandum with the UAE, aimed at strengthening collaboration in developing the Philippines’ defense technologies.
Marcos will also attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from January 11 to 15, an international forum focused on climate action, sustainability, and economic development.
During the event, he is expected to meet with other world leaders to discuss key issues including energy, water, finance, food security, and environmental concerns.
In addition to the defense deal, the Philippines and the UAE are set to ink a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the country’s first free trade pact with a Middle Eastern nation.
The CEPA aims to expand trade and investment opportunities between Manila and Abu Dhabi, providing greater market access in the region.
Malacañang said the visit reflects the Marcos administration’s push to deepen diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Middle Eastern partners while promoting sustainable development.