"Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr, President of the Republic of the Philippines, oversaw the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Philippines. Footage filmed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday shows Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and President Marcos attending the signing ceremony, during which UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Philippine Minister of Trade and Industry Christina Aldeguer-Roque signed the agreement. The ceremony was held on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed said relations between the UAE and the Philippines continue to develop steadily, driven by a shared vision to enhance cooperation in ways that serve the interests of both countries. He expressed hope that the agreement would mark a qualitative shift in bilateral cooperation, strengthening joint development goals and opening new horizons for future generations. He added that the deal reflects the UAE’s commitment to expanding global partnerships that promote economic growth and shared prosperity. For his part, President Marcos welcomed the signing of the agreement, highlighting its importance in strengthening economic cooperation and reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to advancing joint development objectives. The CEPA aims to reduce customs duties, remove trade barriers, and boost investment and private-sector cooperation, supporting supply chains and enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to expand internationally according to media reports. The agreement is a key component of the UAE’s global trade programme. Bilateral non-oil trade reached $940 million in 2024 and $853.7 million in the first nine months of 2025, representing annual growth of 22.4%. The UAE is also the largest market for Philippine exports in the Arab and African regions."