The Philippines is exploring a potential partnership with ADNOC to establish strategic petroleum reserves, a move Gulf News reported is intended to strengthen the country’s energy security.
Gulf News reported that Sen. Erwin Tulfo visited Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s Abu Dhabi headquarters on Oct. 29 and met Chairman Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver and special envoy Kathryna Pimentel attended, the outlet said. Tulfo chairs the Philippine Senate energy committee, according to the report.
The talks examined what role ADNOC might play in a Philippine reserve program, with energy security the stated reason, Gulf News reported. The outlet also reported an earlier Oct. 8 meeting with ADNOC officials attended by Philippine Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
Tulfo also backed UAE Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh for United Nations (U.N.) secretary-general, Gulf News reported. He called her a “strong candidate,” citing her diplomatic experience, and described a platform centered on preventing conflict, improving humanitarian response and making the U.N. more results-focused, the outlet said.
Tulfo also pointed to UAE relief after natural disasters in the Philippines and support for nearly 1 million Filipinos in the Emirates, Gulf News reported. The outlet quoted him saying his engagement with the UAE is intended to make the Philippines “energy sufficient” and less exposed to outside events affecting oil supplies.
EconoTimes previously reported that a nomination letter from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was circulated to U.N. member states on Oct. 21.
