The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have formalized their first bilateral security agreement aimed at combating transnational crimes. This significant agreement was announced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday.

During a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi last week, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla and UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan signed the deal. The DILG highlighted that the agreement demonstrates a broader commitment to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development, based on principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and equality among states under international law.

In addition to the security deal, officials discussed potential collaborations in emerging fields, including digital technologies and urban governance, as well as other sectors of mutual interest. Remulla expressed gratitude towards the UAE for granting pardons to 115 Filipino nationals during Ramadan.

Remulla’s delegation included Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian de Leon, Executive Assistant Haydee Sy, and other members from the Philippine side. The UAE delegation featured key figures such as Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Abu Dhabi Police Director-General Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and Federal Anti-Narcotics Department Director-General Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi.