First Lady Liza Marcos Makes Strides in Strengthening Ties with UAE Officials
In a diplomatic mission to strengthen ties and foster bilateral relations, First Lady Liza Marcos embarked on a visit to the United Arab Emirates from June 27 to 29. During her time in the UAE, Marcos engaged in a series of meetings and discussions with key officials from prominent UAE organizations, shedding light on potential areas of collaboration and cooperation.
One of the highlights of the First Lady’s visit was her meeting with officials from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), a leading sovereign wealth fund with a global footprint in investment. The ADIA operates with a strategic focus on long-term value creation and manages funds on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government. Marcos described her discussions with the ADIA as “insightful,” hinting at the potential for future partnerships and initiatives between the UAE and the Philippines.
Accompanying Marcos during her meeting with the ADIA officials was Rafael Consing Jr., the president of the Maharlika Investment Corp. The details of the discussions were not disclosed, but the presence of Consing Jr. highlights the interest of Filipino entities in exploring opportunities for collaboration with the UAE.
In addition to her engagement with the ADIA, First Lady Marcos also met with representatives of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), a key player in the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. Established in 2009, ENEC is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the country’s nuclear energy initiatives, signaling the UAE’s commitment to sustainable energy development.
During her visit, Marcos had the opportunity to meet with Salama bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, the wife of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation between the two countries in various fields, with a particular emphasis on culture, arts, and heritage. The efforts to enrich the cultural and artistic landscape, coupled with a focus on early childhood development and human capital investment, underscore the mutual desire to strengthen ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
The Emirates News Agency reported on the meeting, highlighting Marcos’s admiration for the UAE’s progress in cultural and developmental spheres. She commended the role of Emirati women in the nation-building process, emphasizing their contribution to the country’s advancement and development.
Apart from her official engagements, the First Lady took the time to connect with the Filipino community in Dubai, further underscoring the importance of maintaining strong ties with overseas Filipino workers. Marcos expressed her delight in hearing the success stories of the Filipino expatriates, reaffirming her commitment to support and engage with the Filipino diaspora.
Overall, First Lady Liza Marcos’s visit to the UAE proved to be a fruitful endeavor in advancing diplomatic relations and exploring avenues for collaboration between the Philippines and the UAE. Her meetings with key officials and stakeholders laid the groundwork for potential partnerships in various sectors, underscoring the importance of fostering strong ties with international partners for mutual benefit and progress.