Study Room, Malacañan Palace
June 23, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. talked with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a phone conversation at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

The Chief Executive conveyed his appreciation to His Highness for UAE’s donation of 50 tons of various food items and medicines intended for Albay residents who are most affected by Mayon Volcano’s high level of unrest.

President Marcos Jr. said that he is very proud of Filipino nationals numbering to approximately 600,000 in the UAE and expressed gratitude to the UAE government for providing good working conditions and very good treatment to overseas Filipinos.

Relative to this, he is hoping for stronger bilateral relations between the two countries, noting the many potentials that can be explored, such as government-to-government and partnerships that will be advantageous to both countries. He stated that His Highness is always welcome to visit the Philippines and directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to send a formal letter of invitation to the UAE President.

Furthermore, the President cited that he is highly interested to attend the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP28 that will be held in the United Arab Emirates this coming November, noting that the Philippines is greatly affected by climate change.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, DFA Special Assistant Enrik Fort Revillas and DFA Atty. Carlo Magsino joined President Marcos Jr. in the event.

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