President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday for a working trip focused on sustainability and boosting economic ties, Malacañang announced Thursday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos will attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global event where world leaders come together to find solutions for big environmental and development challenges.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to leave for the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Jan. 12,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
She added that the trip is by invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During Sustainability Week, Marcos will meet other world leaders to talk about urgent global issues like energy changes, water supply, finance, food systems, and protecting the environment.
Besides joining these discussions, Marcos will also witness the signing of two big agreements between the Philippines and the UAE.
“First is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA, and the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation,” Castro said.
The CEPA will be the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern country, helping Filipino businesses reach new markets in the region.
Meanwhile, the defense agreement will boost cooperation between Manila and Abu Dhabi in building defense technology and capabilities.
Castro said the President’s trip, his first overseas travel this year, is expected to bring real benefits for Filipinos.
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