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Philippines' Marcos calls UAE President, extends solidarity, hopes for end to hostilities
Marcos also expressed confidence in UAE’s ability to ensure the safety of all residents, including the nearly one million Filipinos living and working in the UAE
- PUBLISHED: Fri 6 Mar 2026, 5:47 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday to express solidarity amid the growing conflict in the Middle East.
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Marcos told his counterpart the Philippines hopes for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the region, adding he is confident in the UAE government’s ability to ensure the safety of its people, as well as the Filipinos living and working in the host country.
“During the call, President Marcos expressed solidarity with the people of the UAE amid the situation in the Gulf region as well as his confidence in the UAE’s ability to ensure the safety of all residents, including the nearly one million Filipinos in the UAE,” the Philippine communications office said.
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“President Marcos shared his hope for hostilities to end and for the situation to return to normal,” it added.
The announcement did not mention Sheikh Mohamed’s reply to Marcos in the phone call.
In a press briefing after the call, Marcos said that while the Philippines is not in a position to formally call for a ceasefire, the country remains optimistic about the prompt and peaceful resolution to the US-Israel war against Iran that has dragged the UAE into the conflict.
“We are not a party to any of this. Of course, we want the fighting to stop. But the Philippines is not going to call for a ceasefire. The only people who can call for a ceasefire are those who are involved,” Marcos said.
“But let me do it now. If it will help, let’s hope that there is a ceasefire, and we, the Philippines, ask all parties to show restraint and to bring this to a close as quickly as possible,” he added.
