Marcos: PH-UAE defense deal to help in AFP modernization

The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates have signed a defense deal which will help in the improvement and modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In his arrival statement on Wednesday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation would serve as a strong platform for collaboration with the UAE on advanced defense technologies.

These include unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare, and naval systems, which are crucial for modernizing and enhancing the capabilities of the Philippine military, Marcos said.

“This agreement shall further strengthen our defense and military relations, through education and training, intelligence and security sharing, and cooperation in the fields of anti-terrorism, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations,” Marcos said.

Marcos also mentioned the signing of the Philippines-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), Manila’s first free trade agreement with a country in the Middle East.

This is seen to expand the market access of the Philippines in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf Region, and will diversify the sources and markets of essential goods.

“A significant feature of this FTA is the further liberalization of trade in services in the UAE, including the supply of professional services, health, construction, and IT, among others,” Marcos said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News