Manila, Jan. 16 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said the newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) forges stronger security ties with friendly nations and addresses matters of mutual interest.

"The DND continues to work with like-minded partners in pursuit of regional and global peace, stability and prosperity," DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a message to the media.

It is the first formal defense agreement of the Philippines with a Gulf country.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnessed the signing of the MOU in Abu Dhabi during his working visit on Jan. 12 to 14.

The pact seeks to deepen cooperation on advanced defen...