03 March 2017 ABU DHABI – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana met with UAE’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Bowardi on February 21 at the sidelines of the recently concluded International Defence Exhibition and Conference.

During the meeting, Secretary Lorenzana lauded the UAE for organizing one of the biggest events that gathered defense industry players to showcase the latest technology and innovation in the defense and security sector.

For his part, Minister Al Bowardi thanked the Philippines for sending a high-level delegation to the event and expressed hope that the exhibition will give the Philippines important insights in the country’s efforts to modernize its armed forces.

The two Ministers also exchanged views on defense and security challenges confronting their respective countries. Both noted the importance of information exchanges and open lines of communication between the two countries in countering terrorism and other security challenges.

The two sides discussed high-level visits to the UAE in the coming months and noted the significance of such visits to the bilateral relations. Minister Al Bowardi noted the big Filipino community in the UAE and the Filipinos’ contribution to the growth and development of the UAE. He said that the UAE is host to more than 200 nationalities living harmoniously and added that “we are proud to have this example”.

Secretary Lorenzana was accompanied during the meeting by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno, Jr, DND Undersecretary for Finance and Material Raymundo Elefante, Vice Commander of the Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Rafael Mariano, DND Senior Military Assistant Brigadier General Roselier Murillo, and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil. END