Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to visit his countrymen in November, as confirmed by his wife, Marie Louise 'Liza' Araneta-Marcos, during her meeting with leaders of the Filipino expat community at a hotel in Downtown Dubai on Saturday.
This visit follows Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, who made a work visit to Manila earlier this month. During his meeting with President Marcos at Malacanang Palace, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to enhance cooperation. Araneta-Marcos was also present to greet Sheikh Abdullah in Manila.
The Philippines and the UAE are commemorating 50 years of diplomatic and bilateral relations, which were established on August 19, 1974. Filipino expats are eagerly anticipating a visit from a sitting Philippine president, a rare occurrence since Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit in December 2008.
Marcos Jr. had initially planned to visit the UAE in November last year for COP28 but canceled at the last minute due to significant developments in the hostage situation involving 17 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea. He was also scheduled to meet the Filipino community at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the first such meeting by a Philippine president in 15 years.
