UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Statement on celebrating 51 years of Friendship between UAE & the Philippines

Today, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Philippines proudly mark the 51st anniversary of diplomatic relations, celebrating over five decades of friendship, cooperation, and shared progress.

Bilateral ties have strengthened across trade, development, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. In November 2024, relations reached a milestone with the visit of H.E. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines, to the UAE, where he met with H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

Over the past three years, both nations have signed approximately 22 agreements focusing on culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, government modernization, and security. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected in the coming weeks, will further boost trade and investment.

Notable recent initiatives include the UAE’s USD 20 million commitment to rehabilitate the Pasig River and a USD 15 billion agreement between Masdar and the Philippines to develop renewable energy projects delivering up to 10 gigawatts of clean power by 2030.

The UAE is home to more than one million Filipinos, whose contributions enrich every sector of society. The UAE remains committed to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

As the UAE and the Philippines celebrate 51 years of enduring friendship, both countries reaffirm their commitment to advancing cooperation, fostering innovation, and promoting shared prosperity for generations to come.

Happy anniversary… and Mabuhay ang ugnayang Emirati-Filipino!