16 September 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario visited the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) on September 10 to affirm the excellent ties between the Philippines and the U.A.E. and seek ways to boost the trade and economic relationship of the two countries.

He was received by his counterpart, U.A.E. Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two discussed the current state of Philippines-U.A.E. relations, agreed to maintain high-level visits, and exchanged views on various issues of regional importance. Secretary del Rosario noted that the addition of flights between the Philippines and the U.A.E. and the entry of Philippine carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific would significantly impact on trade and strengthen people-to-people links. Secretary del Rosario also expressed hope that cooperation between the countries' free trade zones could be pursued in the near future.

The Foreign Secretary took the opportunity to express the Philippine Government’s appreciation for the initiatives that the U.A.E. Government has undertaken to improve the conditions of overseas Filipinos in the U.A.E., such as the Abu Dhabi Dialogue, the pending law proposed to accord better protection to domestic workers in the Emirates, and efforts to reach an agreement on a standardized contract for them.

After the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Consultations between the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines (DFA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE. The agreement will pave the way for the commencement of regular consultations between the two countries' respective foreign affairs establishments where vital issues of mutual concern can be discussed.

The two sides also agreed to work towards the conclusion of two more agreements. The first is a MOU Creating a Joint Committee for Cooperation, which shall facilitate general programs for and coordination between the Philippines and the U.A.E. in the economic, commercial, cultural, judicial, security, and other fields of interest of both countries. The second is a Visa Waiver Agreement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official/Special Passports to promote exchange of visits by diplomats and other government officials.

While in the U.A.E., Secretary del Rosario met with H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, a Senior Member of the Royal Family and an important Emirati investor and businessman. Secretary del Rosario invited Sheikh Suroor to look into the possibility of investing in the Philippines' infrastructure and tourism and hospitality sectors.

The official visit precedes Secretary Del Rosario's participation in the Third High-Level Public-Private Counter Piracy Conference, which was held in Dubai, U.A.E. from September 11 to 12. He was invited by the UAE Government to deliver a statement at the Conference.

Secretary Del Rosario was accompanied by Mme. Gretchen Del Rosario, who, as part of her advocacy on women and children’s rights, visited the Ewa’a Shelter for Women and Children. The Ewa’a, which means “to shelter," provides safe and temporary shelter to women and children victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse. It is a charity project of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, wife of the founder and first President of the U.A.E. the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Secretary del Rosario was also accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the U.A.E. Grace Relucio-Princesa, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Petronila P. Garcia, DFA Director Mary Jennifer Dingal, and Protocol Officer Francis Berme. END