The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates have inked a significant security agreement to combat the growing danger of transnational and organised crime. The pact, signed by Philippine Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and UAE Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, emphasises combating cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, emphasised the importance of international alliances in combating criminal syndicates that take advantage of current technologies and smooth cross-border mobility. He described the accord as a milestone in bilateral collaboration beyond the normal focus on migration and energy.
This development comes after the two countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. In recent years, security collaboration has progressively increased. The Philippines will even station a defence attaché in the UAE in 2021, its only such presence in the Middle East.
The two countries had previously signed treaties on extradition, legal assistance, and prisoner movement, establishing the framework for further collaboration. Ver referred to the new agreement as a “milestone” and emphasised that it provides a clear framework for future strategic engagements.
The agreement is expected to boost intelligence sharing and expertise exchange. Sheikh Saif reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to institutional collaboration to achieve security and regional stability.
