MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Monday night for a one-day state visit.
The plane carrying Marcos took off at 9:11 p.m. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cesar Chavez told reporters.
The President is expected to arrive in the Gulf State around 2 a.m. Tuesday (6 a.m. Manila Time).
Marcos will meet with his counterpart, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, which is seen to lead to the signing of agreements that would deepen the ties between the two countries.
Chavez said Environment Secretary Ma. Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga will accompany President Marcos during discussions on an agreement to prevent the leakage of plastic waste into the ocean.
National Commission on Culture and the Arts chair Victorino Manalo will sign a cultural cooperation agreement with the UAE, while Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles Jose will accompany the President on his courtesy call to the UAE President.
Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. is also part of the President’s lean delegation, owing to the former Interior chief’s close ties with the UAE Royal Family. (PNA)