MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed his intent to attend the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government already invited Marcos to attend the COP28 that will take place at Expo City in Dubai on Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.
The invitation was extended to Marcos when UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Al-Zaabi paid him a courtesy visit at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday.
“The ambassador came to see me beforehand, the day before and we were talking about precisely COP 28, I hope to be able to attend because climate change is a primordial issue when it comes to the Philippines. I hope that we’ll be able to attend,” Marcos told reporters on the sidelines of the International Trade Forum at the Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City.
This year’s COP is expected to host over 70,000 delegates, including heads of state and world leaders to build consensus and facilitate progress on climate action among 198 countries, the European Union and thousands of non-government organizations, companies, youth groups and other stakeholders.
As host, the UAE is focused on providing practical and positive solutions that drive progress for climate and the economy, as well as relief and support to vulnerable communities.
Strengthening PH-UAE ties
Marcos said a visit UAE will further strengthen the Philippines’ ties with the Gulf state.
“Beyond the Conference of Parties is that we also want to fortify our ties with the UAE,” he said, as he acknowledged that many Filipinos are residing and working in the host country.
“And they have been very welcoming. They have treated our people very well. They have protected them and they have allowed them to make a living in the United Arab Emirates. So, that’s something that we hope to continue and even progress further,” Marcos added
UAE is home to over 700,000 Filipinos, with 450,000 of them based in Dubai. (PNA)
