The sun sets over the central business district in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on May 23, 2024. Benise Balaoing, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a bilateral security agreement to raise their partnership in law enforcement and public safety, the interior department said Tuesday.

Said to be the first of its kind between the two nations, the agreement will boost the countries' efforts against transnational crimes and institutionalize the exchange of best practices and expertise in law enforcement and public safety operations.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla signed on behalf of the Philippine government, alongside His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, who represented the UAE, during a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi last week, the agency said in a statement.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the agreement also "reflects a broader commitment to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development, anchored on the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and equality among states under international law."

In the same meeting, officials explored opportunities for collaboration in digital technologies, urban governance, and other sectors of mutual interest, the DILG said.

Remulla also thanked the UAE for granting pardon to 115 Filipinos during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a gesture the agency said underscored "the enduring friendship" between the two countries.

Remulla was joined by Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Lilian de Leon, Executive Assistant Haydee Sy, and other members of the Philippine delegation.

Meanwhile, the UAE was represented by Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior; Major General Sheikh Mohammed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Police; and Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Federal Anti-Narcotics Department.