By Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi
UAE Ambassador in Manila
Since its founding more than 52 years ago, the UAE has actively cultivated political ties and fostered economic cooperation with the international community. Our partnership with the Republic of the Philippines epitomizes shared aspirations, building bridges of collaboration and communication, and strong people-to-people ties.
Over the past 50 years, the UAE and the Philippines have embraced a flourishing relationship built on solid and historic ties. These bilateral bonds, which started under the rule of the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, have grown stronger and deeper for decades and have reached new heights under the dedication and wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and the ambitious vision of His Excellency Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Our close ties with the Philippines are reflected in our joint endeavors and long-term development initiatives, exemplifying a commitment to mutual prosperity and sustainability. Both nations cooperate in various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, minerals, and telecommunications. Moreover, through people-to-people exchanges, we have been able to forge a profound understanding of each other’s history, culture, and progress in shaping our shared future. The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, including Filipinos, living together in harmony, and the country stands out as one of the most diverse and secure nations globally.
Within less than one year, the UAE and the Philippines have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in different fields, paving the way for enhanced concrete collaboration. Moreover, both governments are working to finalize additional agreements in various sectors, most notably the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a free trade agreement that is expected to spur tremendous advances in bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.
While meetings and consultations between government officials and joint committees have become more frequent, bilateral exchange between the leaderships of both countries over the past two years has demonstrated increasing keenness on further enhancing ties. This was evident during the phone conversation between H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.E. President Marcos Jr., in June 2023, which paved the way for extensive government discussions to further develop bilateral cooperation.
One year later, in June 2024, the visit by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Manila reaffirmed and reinforced these strong ties, as he met with H.E. President Marcos and H.E. Enrique A. Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
During these meetings, both sides confirmed that although bilateral relations between the two countries had indeed reached new heights, there nevertheless remained a strong determination to seek and pursue new and even greater opportunities that would elevate and prioritize the relationship even further. In the same month, we were pleased to welcome First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos to the UAE on an exceptional and fruitful working visit.
Climate change, sustainability, and disaster resilience and preparedness are also key focuses for the UAE-Philippine partnership. In this regard, the UAE has supported the Philippines’ bid to host the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, which was launched last year in Dubai during the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), hosted by the UAE, which concluded with the historic agreement “the UAE Consensus” by 198 Parties to usher in a new era of climate action.
Furthermore, last month, following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and as part of the UAE’s continuous humanitarian efforts to support all countries during times of need, the UAE was the first country to dispatch a plane carrying relief aid to the Philippines in response to landslides and floods caused by Typhoon Carina. The directives of His Highness demonstrate the dedication of the UAE to the values of solidarity and partnership, and reflects the country’s support and appreciation for the Filipino community living in the UAE, who contribute to the development, and growth of the country.
Now, through strong collaboration and cooperation, we are working towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, unlocking new partnerships to benefit our peoples and the wider world for future generations. The potential for enhancing the development of both countries has been underscored, and the foundations have been laid for a new, closely-aligned phase in our relations, as we look ahead to the next 50 years of growth and prosperity.
Maligayang anibersaryo UAE… Maligayang anibersaryo Pilipinas!
