Sulu Governor Welcomes UAE Delegation, Shows Gratitude for Jolo Mosque

A delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in the Philippines and the Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation (Zayed CHF) met with Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan in his office in the town of Jolo on Monday, March 4, 2024. 

The delegation was led by UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohammed Obaid Alqattam Alzaabi, who expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality of the governor and the people of Sulu. The ambassador also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the UAE leadership and people to the governor and the people of Sulu.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance the bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines, especially in the fields of development, humanitarian assistance, and cultural exchange. The ambassador praised the efforts of the governor in promoting peace, stability, and progress in Sulu, and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to support the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where Sulu is one of the five provinces.

The governor thanked the ambassador and the delegation for their visit and their generous support to Sulu and the BARMM. He also expressed his admiration for the UAE’s achievements and vision, and expressed his hope to learn from the UAE’s experience and best practices in various sectors. He also invited the UAE to invest in Sulu’s potential areas, such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries.

Visiting Jolo Mosque

After the meeting, the delegation visited the Jolo Mosque (Tulay Grand Mosque), which is the oldest and largest mosque in Sulu. The mosque was built in 1884 and was destroyed in 1974 during the conflict between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). It was rebuilt in 2001 with the help of the Zayed CHF, which donated $2 million for the reconstruction. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers and is a symbol of the Islamic faith and culture of the Sulu people.

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The delegation was welcomed by the imam and the local religious leaders, who expressed their gratitude to the UAE and the Zayed CHF for their contribution to the mosque and the Muslim community. The delegation also inspected the mosque’s facilities and admired its architecture and design. The ambassador said that the mosque is a testament to the strong ties and friendship between the UAE and the Philippines, and a manifestation of the UAE’s respect and appreciation for the diversity and richness of the Islamic civilization.

Supporting Humanitarian Projects

The delegation also visited a number of humanitarian and charitable projects in Manila that are funded by the UAE and the Zayed CHF. These projects include a school for orphans and street children, a health center for women and children, a water supply system for a remote village, and a livelihood program for displaced families. The delegation interacted with the beneficiaries and the staff of the projects, and witnessed the positive impact of the UAE’s assistance on the lives of the Filipino people.

The ambassador said that the UAE and the Zayed CHF are keen to support the development and welfare of the Philippines, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors. He said that the UAE considers the Philippines as a close friend and partner, and that the UAE is proud to share its resources and expertise with the Philippines. He also said that the UAE and the Zayed CHF will continue to implement more humanitarian and charitable projects in the Philippines in the future.