President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is optimistic about securing a potential nuclear energy partnership with a UAE energy firm as the country explores the use of nuclear energy for power generation.
"We are driving forward with innovative approaches to secure a future powered by cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions," Marcos said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) Mohamed Al Hammadi visited Malacañang for a courtesy call with the President.
“Thank you very much. I’m glad that we had this chance… for you to visit us. Because this is a subject that we have been talking about for a long time. And especially after the pandemic, I’m trying to figure out what are the needs of the government,” Marcos said to Hammadi during the meeting.
On June 27-29, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos led a Philippine delegation, including Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco and others, in a meeting with the UAE’s ENEC.
Cojuangco then proposed reviving the Philippine nuclear plant with the help of UAE as a strategic partner.
In their meeting with ENEC, Cojuangco and Hammadi informed the First Lady that they had extended an invitation to President Marcos to participate in the International Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy – 2024 Objectives at the United Nations General Assembly this coming September.
The First Lady said she will discuss the matter with the President and noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs is gathering input from relevant agencies on the Philippines' potential involvement.
Last May, Board of Investments representatives held discussions with UAE companies about potential investment opportunities in the Philippines, especially in the clean energy sector.
