Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and hoped for the peaceful resolution of tensions in the Gulf region. Marcos conveyed his support during a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, he also expressed confidence in the UAE government's ability to ensure the safety of its people, as well as the Filipinos living and working in the host country. "During the call, President Marcos expressed solidarity with the people of UAE amid the situation in the Gulf region as well as his confidence in the UAE's ability to ensure the safety of all residents, including the nearly one million Filipinos in the UAE," the PCO said.

The PCO further stated, "President Marcos shared his hope for hostilities to end and for the situation to return to normal." The UAE has reported multiple missile and drone incidents across its territory amid Iran's retaliation against the joint attacks by the United States and Israel. Iran is targeting US military assets across the Gulf Arab states.