Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian have been designated as government caretakers during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with Marcos set to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their second engagement in 14 months.
Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver said the visit underscores growing cooperation, particularly in addressing climate change and boosting economic development.
The Philippines and the UAE are expected to sign key agreements, including the long-negotiated Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.
Emerging areas of collaboration include trade, investments, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, the digital economy, and enhanced cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 13, 2026
