Manila, Feb. 7 -- The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to expand trade cooperation to strengthen their economic relations, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Friday.

This came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi at Malacanan Palace in Manila where they discussed a plan to enhance the two nations' trade ties and investment opportunities.

Marcos said Alsuwaidi's visit to the Philippines demonstrated both countries' commitment "to work together more closely than we have had in the past."

"I'm happy to see you and discover so many areas that would be possible for us to explore further," Marcos told Alsuwaidi, as quoted by the PCO.

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