President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (MB File Photo)
President Marcos will leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, Jan. 12, for a working visit which will include the signing of historic deals.
Marcos will be in Abu Dhabi until Jan. 14.
During his visit, the President will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, slated from January 11 to 15, where leaders from government, business, and society will discuss steps to advance global sustainability.
Marcos is also expected to sign two deals with UAE— Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation.
According to Malacañang, CEPA is the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country. It is aimed at expanding the nation’s market access in the Middle East.
The Defense Cooperation Memorandum, on the other hand, will serve as a solid foundation for cooperation with the UAE to further develop the country’s defense technologies.
During his working visit, the President will join other heads of state and government from various countries in discussing issues related to energy, water, financial matters, food, and the environment.
Marcos' visit is upon the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to Malacañang.
Meanwhile, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the launch of the “Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan” in Dubai on Sunday, Jan. 11.
"First Lady Liza Marcos officially launched the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo Serbisyo Caravan' in Dubai, UAE to cater our Overseas Filipino Workers," Special Envoy for Trade and Investment to the UAE Kathryna Yu-Pimentel said in a Facebook post on Sunday.