MANILA, Philippines – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates five decades of friendship, cooperation, and shared progress, as it proudly marks the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
On Tuesday, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Manila shared a statement from UAE Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi, highlighting the bilateral ties between the two nations, as it continually strengthens “across trade, development, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.”
“In November 2024, relations reached a milestone with the visit of H.E. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, to the UAE, where he met with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai,” Ambassador Alzaabi said in a statement.
The Ambassador also underscored the agreements signed by both the UAE and the Philippines, focusing on various sectors and industries, for the mutual benefit of both nations.
“Over the past three years, both nations have signed approximately 22 agreements focusing on culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, government modernization, and security. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected in the coming weeks, will further boost trade and investment,” Alzaabi mentioned.
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi (Photo courtesy of Embassy of UAE in the PH)
Ambassador Alzaabi also noted the recent initiatives of the UAE to assist the Philippines in its goal towards resiliency and adaptability.
These include UAE’s USD 20 million commitment to rehabilitate the Pasig River and a USD 15 billion agreement between Masdar and the Philippines to develop renewable energy projects delivering up to 10 gigawatts of clean power by 2030, said Alzaabi.
He also underlined the contributions of the more than one million Filipinos living and working in the UAE, conveying the country’s commitment to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening bonds between the two nations.
“As the UAE and the Philippines celebrate 51 years of enduring friendship, both countries reaffirm their commitment to advancing cooperation, fostering innovation, and promoting shared prosperity for generations to come. Happy anniversary… and Mabuhay ang ugnayang Emirati-Filipino,” Azaabi said.
