President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its unwavering support to the Philippines and for being a “true partner” in building “smarter and future-ready” governments.

Marcos made the statement after his meeting with UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Experience Exchange Abdullah Nasser Mohamad Lootah at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Thursday.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Deputy Minister Abdulla Nasser Lootah and the UAE delegation as they conclude the Philippines–UAE Government Experience Exchange Forum,” he said in a Facebook post.

“We are grateful to the UAE for its continued support to our Filipino workers and for being a true partner in building smarter, future-ready governments. Through shared knowledge and collaboration, we are creating meaningful change for our people,” Marcos added.

During the courtesy call at Malacañang, Marcos expressed his appreciation to the UAE government for supporting the welfare of Filipino workers in the Gulf state and for making the Philippines a partner in various mutually beneficial initiatives.

Lootah relayed the UAE government’s interest in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing its great importance.

Lootah and the UAE official delegation are in the country to participate in the Philippines and UAE Government Experience Exchange Forum held from Sept. 16 to 18.

The forum, organized by the Department of Budget and Management and the UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, aims to empower government personnel from both countries through the exchange of experiences and best practices, working together toward building innovative, future-ready governments. (PNA)