Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed major gains from his recent UAE visit. On January 12, 2026, he traveled to Abu Dhabi to witness the signing of a landmark free trade agreement and a defense cooperation pact. This marks his first official trip of the year, boosting ties with the Gulf nation. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is the Philippines’ first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern country. It removes tariff barriers, expanding market access for Philippine goods in the oil-rich Gulf region. Bilateral non-oil trade hit $1.85 billion in 2022, with UAE as the top GCC partner and Philippines’ 17th largest globally.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation strengthens military ties through joint training, officer exchanges, intelligence sharing, and advanced tech collaboration. Marcos said it builds defense capabilities amid regional challenges, complementing efforts on counterterrorism and transnational crime.
During the visit, Marcos joined Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, discussing energy, water, food security, and climate action with global leaders. Accompanied by key officials like Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, he met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan—their second summit in 14 months after a 15-year gap.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What key agreements were signed during Marcos’ UAE visit?
CEPA free trade agreement and MOU on Defense Cooperation, focusing on trade access, military training, and tech sharing.
2. How does CEPA benefit Philippine trade?
It ends tariffs for better market access in Gulf; non-oil trade was $1.85B in 2022, UAE is top GCC partner.
3. What does the defense MOU cover?
Joint training, officer exchanges, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and advanced defense tech to boost Philippines’ capabilities.
4. Why is this visit significant for bilateral ties?
Second leaders’ meet in 14 months after 15-year gap; elevates economic, defense, and sustainability cooperation.