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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, UAE to sign economic partnership

PH, UAE to sign economic partnership

Published Dec 4, 2025 10:37 am
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa De Vega, Morocco Ambassador to the Philippines Rida El-Fassi, and other officials at the UAE National Day reception held in Makati City on Dec. 2, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi, DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa De Vega, Morocco Ambassador to the Philippines Rida El-Fassi, and other officials at the UAE National Day reception held in Makati City on Dec. 2, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates will soon sign a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to further strengthen bilateral relations and open up new opportunities for economic ties.
This was announced by UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Alqataam Alzaabi and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Administration Ma. Theresa De Vega during the UAE National Day celebration in Makati City on Tuesday night, Dec. 2.
“I also take this moment to highlight the strong and growing relations between the UAE and the Republic of the Philippines. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership, including through the anticipated signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will open new opportunities for both our nations,” the ambassador said.
“As we celebrate tonight, I extend my sincere gratitude to the leadership of both countries for their continued commitment to advancing our bilateral ties,” he added.
De Vega echoed the envoy’s remarks, highlighting the benefits of the comprehensive agreement to both countries.
“And as mentioned by the Ambassador earlier, we likewise look forward to the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, or CEPA, which will provide a host of economic opportunities and gains for both our countries,” she said.
Noting that the Philippine-UAE relations are built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations, the DFA official said that the diplomatic ties “have grown into a robust partnership in trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges” since their establishment in 1974.
“The UAE has indeed become one of the Philippines' most valued partners in the region,” De Vega added.
The DFA official also cited the recent visits of President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the UAE.
Alzaabi, on the other hand, underscored the strengths of his country from which the Philippines can learn.
“Since its founding, the UAE has placed human development at the core of national progress, advancing education, healthcare and balanced growth nationwide,” he said, adding that these aspirations continue today through the UAE 2031 and the Centennial 2071 to foster sustainability, innovation, and human empowerment.
“The UAE is a global leader in sustainability, renewable energy, and innovation-driven programs like AI development, reflecting our commitment to knowledge-based growth, and human-centered innovation,” he shared.

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