PH, UAE ink first security deal vs transnational crimes

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed their first bilateral security agreement to combat transnational crimes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla as well as UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan inked the security deal during a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi last week.

“The agreement cements the two countries' resolve to intensify cooperation against transnational crimes and institutionalize the exchange of best practices and expertise in law enforcement and public safety operations,” the DILG said in a statement.

“It also reflects a broader commitment to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development, anchored on the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and equality among states under international law,” it added.

Aside from this, the officials also tackled opportunities for collaboration in emerging fields like digital technologies, urban governance, and other sectors of mutual interest.

The DILG chief also thanked the UAE for its granting of pardon to 115 Filipino nationals during Ramadan.

Remulla was joined by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian de Leon, Executive Assistant Haydee Sy, and other members of the Philippine delegation.

The UAE was represented by Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Abu Dhabi Police Director-General Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and Federal Anti-Narcotics Department Director-General  Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News