21 October 2010 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo hosted a luncheon in honor of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, in Makati City on October 21.
Secretary Romulo and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mark 30th Anniversary of RP-UAE Diplomatic Relations
Sheikh Abdullah was in the Philippines on an official visit to celebrate the 30th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE. He was accompanied by a delegation of UAE government officials and business leaders.
During his visit, Sheikh Abdullah paid courtesy calls on President Benigno S. Aquino II, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, and Secretary Romulo.
In his toast remarks at the luncheon, Secretary Romulo reiterated President Aquino's thrust to make the Philippines an attractive country for foreign investments and invited the UAE to expand their business presence in the country.
In his response, Sheikh Abdullah expressed appreciation for the hospitable reception accorded to him and his delegation by the Philippine Government and commended the quality and skill of Filipino workers, particularly medical professionals and health workers.
During their meeting, Secretary Romulo also took the opportunity to reaffirm the importance of the ties between the two countries, discussed issues pertaining to the advancement of the well-being and welfare of Filipino workers in the UAE, and sought development assistance for Southern Philippines.
At the sidelines of Sheikh Abdullah's meetings, the UAE business delegation met with government officials and Filipino businessmen in the energy, trade, development and investments sectors.
The UAE is the Philippines' second largest trading partner in the Middle East and the second top destination of overseas Filipino workers in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah left Manila yesterday to continue his five-nation working visits in Asia. END