First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos witnessed the signing of treaties on extradition, legal assistance, and transfer of persons between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

This developed on the sidelines of the 2025 World Governments Summit in Dubai, where the First Lady delivered a special address.

In an Instagram post, the First Lady described the signing of the treaties as a big step in achieving Filipinos in need.

"We've taken a big step forward as our country and the UAE signed several agreements on legal assistance, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons," she wrote on Thursday, Feb. 13.

"When push comes to shove, Filipinos should not feel alone in times of need," she added.

In a Facebook post, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said the treaty covers extradition, mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLAT), and the transfer of sentenced persons.

"This agreement signifies a collaborative effort to strengthen legal cooperation and ensure justice between both countries," it said.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla signed for the Philippine government, while Justice Minister His Excellency Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi represented the UAE government.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the UAE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Cooperation in the Field of Improvement and Development of Government Activities" during the First Lady's visit.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Lootah signed the MOU on behalf of their respective governments.

According to the DBM, the memorandum aims to strengthen and develop government practices and build the institutional capacities of both governments.

"This entails forming a Joint Technical Team to implement projects such as capacity building for leadership and Public Financial Management (PFM), among others," it said.

Pangandaman also reportedly gifted Minister Lootah a book on historical analysis of the Philippine Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) policies, programs, and reforms.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand Ver and DBM Undersecretary Margaux Salcedo were present during the MOU signing.

The signing of the agreements brought the number of documents signed between the Philippines and the UAE during the First Lady's trip to three. The First Lady earlier announced that the countries signed an MOU on the revitalization of the Pasig River.