Abu dhabi: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed Manila for a working visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) upon the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This visit marks Marcos' first overseas engagement of the year and is scheduled from January 12 to 14.

According to Philippine News Agency, President Marcos will participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, a global forum that gathers world leaders to address crucial issues such as energy transition, water security, sustainable finance, food systems, and environmental protection. In addition to attending this forum, the President plans to engage in multiple business meetings and interact with the Filipino community residing in Abu Dhabi.

A significant aspect of Marcos' visit is the anticipated signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will establish the Philippines' first free trade agreement with a Middle Eastern nation. This agreement is designed to enhance market access for the Philippines in the region and to strengthen economic relations between Manila and Abu Dhabi.

Another key development expected during the visit is the signing of a defense cooperation agreement, aimed at bolstering collaboration between the Philippines and the UAE in developing defense technologies and capabilities. President Marcos emphasized the importance of these agreements in a Palace news release, highlighting the deep bilateral ties between the two nations and their populations.

Marcos underscored the significance of the UAE being home to approximately 900,000 Filipinos, likening it to the population size of a mid-sized province in the Philippines. He noted that any mutually beneficial agreement would positively impact Filipinos both in the homeland and in the UAE.

The President expressed optimism about the outcomes of his visit, stating, "I am confident that upon my return, I will bring good news on the new heights of our friendship and collaboration with the UAE, as well as on the shared vision and strategy with our global partners on sustainability, for the benefit of the Filipino people."

To maintain government operations during his absence, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian have been appointed as government caretakers.