Abu Dhabi: The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are set to increase cooperation in combating transnational and organized crime with the signing of a new security agreement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a statement late Wednesday, the department announced that the two governments signed the Agreement on Security Cooperation in Abu Dhabi during the official visit of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla to the UAE capital on April 21.

According to Philippines News Agency, the bilateral agreement will facilitate the exchange of information and implementation of joint initiatives to prevent, detect, and combat various forms of transnational and organized crime. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and other forms of serious criminal activity, the DFA specified.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver noted that while the security sectors of the UAE and the Philippines have cooperated in various capacities over the years, the signing of this agreement institutionalizes that collaboration. The Philippine Embassy in the UAE hailed the signing as a milestone in Philippine-UAE relations, emphasizing the two states' shared commitment to the rule of law, peace, and regional stability.

The agreement, signed by Remulla and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Highness Sheikh (Lt. Gen.) Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will provide a strategic framework to guide future Philippine-UAE engagements in a more structured, sustainable, and effective manner. It also reinforces the broader vision of both governments to promote good governance, uphold international law, and advance mutual prosperity through strong and effective partnerships.

The DFA also anticipates that this new deal will open more avenues for dialogue, training, and technical collaboration between the two countries' law enforcement and public safety institutions.