In 1974, diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates were established.
Since then, the relationship between the two nations has grown stronger, particularly in economic cooperation.
One example is the granting of pardons to 143 Filipino workers out of the 2.16 million OFWs in the UAE in 2024.
“I have just concluded a short but highly productive visit to the United Arab Emirates. We did this as we commemorate the 50 years of very strong and rapidly progressing bilateral ties between the two countries,” said PBBM.
During his one-day working visit on November 26, President Marcos and the UAE signed agreements on cultural cooperation, energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy, and other areas beneficial to the Philippines.
The President also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s assistance in key matters, including the arrest and extradition of a sex trafficker to Philippine authorities, and training and support for the PNP.
Additionally, he thanked the UAE for aiding Filipinos affected by recent floods in Dubai.
This marks the President’s 31st trip abroad since assuming office in 2022.
**VANESSA BUGTONG
