According to a news release from the Department of Foreign Affairs, these agreements mark a major step, near-term milestone in bilateral relations as Manila and Abu Dhabi expand cooperation in trade, security, and sustainable development.

The imminent agreements were highlighted during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al-Hajeri, held a day before the opening of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 Summit.

Once signed, the PH-UAE CEPA will become the Philippines’ first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern country, aimed at expanding market access, boosting two-way trade, and unlocking new investment opportunities.

The defense cooperation MOU is expected to strengthen military and security ties through education and training, as well as intelligence and security cooperation.

During the meeting, Secretary Lazaro expressed appreciation for the UAE’s hosting of nearly one million Filipinos and thanked the UAE government for granting executive clemency to 403 Filipinos between 2024 and 2025.

Earlier in the day, Lazaro delivered a lecture at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, where she discussed ASEAN’s evolution as a model of regional integration anchored on the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation and the ASEAN Charter. She also outlined the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026 and underscored the UAE’s role as an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner.

Secretary Lazaro is part of the Philippine delegation led by Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who is on a working visit to the UAE at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at further strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, and sustainable development.