The United Arab Emirates and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting deeper cooperation across economic, defence, and priority development sectors during discussions held on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The talks underscored the growing partnership between the two nations, built on mutual interests, shared values, and a forward-looking vision for sustainable development.
A key focus of the discussions was the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which serves as a cornerstone for enhancing trade, investment, and economic collaboration. Both sides emphasized the importance of CEPA in unlocking new opportunities for businesses, supporting supply chain resilience, and encouraging private sector engagement across diverse industries. The agreement is expected to further boost bilateral trade volumes and create a more enabling environment for investors from both countries.
Economic cooperation extended beyond trade to include sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, tourism, and digital economy initiatives. The UAE highlighted its experience in sustainable development, clean energy, and innovation, while the Philippines showcased its growth potential, skilled workforce, and expanding consumer market. This complementary partnership supports long-term economic diversification and inclusive growth for both nations.
Defence cooperation was another important area of discussion. Both countries acknowledged the value of strengthening defence ties through dialogue, capacity-building, and cooperation in areas that contribute to regional and international stability. Enhanced defence relations reflect a shared commitment to peace, security, and constructive engagement in the wider region.
The discussions also emphasized expanding collaboration across priority sectors, including climate action, food security, education, and sustainable urban development. Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week provided an ideal platform to align shared goals on environmental protection, green technologies, and resilience against climate challenges. Both sides expressed interest in joint initiatives that support sustainable solutions and knowledge exchange.
People-to-people ties were recognized as a vital pillar of the relationship, particularly given the significant Filipino community living and working in the UAE. Both governments highlighted the importance of protecting workers’ welfare, enhancing skills development, and strengthening cultural and social connections.
Overall, the discussions during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reflected the UAE and Philippines’ shared ambition to elevate their partnership to new levels. By leveraging CEPA, expanding defence and sectoral cooperation, and aligning sustainability goals, both countries are positioning their relationship as a model of modern, balanced, and future-focused bilateral cooperation.
