Malacañang said Marcos arrived in the country at 11:28 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, from Abu Dhabi.
In his arrival statement, Marcos announced that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation were signed during his trip.
"I am also happy to report on the successful signing of two (2) agreements of paramount importance to the Philippines—the free trade agreement (FTA) with the UAE or the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation," Marcos said.
He reiterated that the FTA between the two countries is the "very first free trade agreement with a country in the Middle East."
He added that it "will expand the market access of the Philippines in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region, and will diversify our sources and markets of essential goods."
"A significant feature of this FTA is the further liberalization of trade in services in the UAE, including the supply of professional services, health, construction, and IT, among others," Marcos said.
"This enhancement of market access by the UAE for Filipino service providers is a clear recognition of the professional competence and excellence of Filipinos in these fields. It is also an acknowledgement of their invaluable contributions to the UAE’s economy," he added.
Marcos also announced the signing of the MOU on Defense Cooperation which will serve as a strong platform for collaboration with the UAE on advanced defense technologies, particularly in unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval systems that are crucial for modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
According to Marcos, the agreement will further strengthen the country's defense and military relations, through education and training, intelligence and security sharing, and cooperation in the fields of anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations.
The President stressed that the new agreements were "forged based on the strength of our bilateral relations with the UAE, founded on the strong people-to-people ties which our countrymen have built over decades of friendship with the people of the UAE."
The Chief Executive further stated that in his visit to the UAE, he participated in the discussions on a “future-ready world” with other heads of state.
"I had productive dialogues focusing on the important sectors of energy, water, finance, food, and the environment—matters which affect every Filipino, both here and abroad," he said.
"I assured them that the Philippines is committed to finding solutions and to implementing the policies needed for a sustainable future for the people," he added.
Marcos also said that in his meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he expressed confidence in the future of the Philippines and UAE relations and advocacies.
"The Philippines will continue to enhance our bilateral ties with other countries with the goal of further strengthening our economy and ensuring peace and stability for the benefit of the Filipino people," he said.
Source of pride and honor
During his short visit, Marcos also met with the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi.
In his address to them, he recognized their significant contributions to both their host country and the Philippines, calling overseas Filipinos a “source of pride and honor” for the nation.
He underscored the vital role Filipinos have played in the UAE’s development since the country’s founding in 1971.
“Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng inyong kontribusyon sa United Arab Emirates, sa magandang ehemplo na inyong ipinakita sa inyong trabaho, sa inyong mga kapwa Pilipino, sa pamahalaan ng UAE, sa iba't ibang mga lahi na naninirahan dito, at sa kontribusyon ng inyong ibinigay sa ekonomiya sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas (You are the ones who bring honor to our country through your contributions in the United Arab Emirates—through the fine example you set in your work, in how you treat your fellow Filipinos, the UAE government, and the various nationalities living here, and through the contributions you have given to the economy of our beloved Philippines),” the President said, adding that the UAE is now home to one of the largest Filipino communities in the Middle East.
The President assured OFWs that the Philippine government remains committed to protecting their welfare and advancing programs that address their needs.
“Because we envision a future where every Filipino at home or abroad has a chance to succeed. Because once we deepen our trade and investment partnership with, for example, the UAE, we are laying the groundwork for employment opportunities in more varied sectors and wider market access for Filipino businesses," he told them.
Marcos also encouraged lifelong learning and skills development, calling on Filipinos to sustain the spirit of bayanihan by supporting one another and growing together as a community.
“Your achievements bring honor to the nation – a nation that is truly and genuinely proud and grateful to all of you. I also thank, of course, the United Arab Emirates for being a benevolent sponsor to all of you,” Marcos further said