Israeli FM in Manila for official visit
ISRAELI Foreign Minister (FM) Eliyahu Cohen is in Manila for a two-day official visit aimed at further expanding cooperation between the Philippines and Israel.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said this is the first made by an Israeli Foreign Minister since 1967.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted the need to expand cooperation in areas such as defense and security, tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.
In the context of the geopolitical environment in the Middle East and Asia, the Philippine side emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability, as well as confidence-building with key partners in these regions.
“The relationship between the Philippines and Israel is a unique and enduring one, characterized by friendship, goodwill and strong people-to-people ties which predated the founding of the Israeli state,” stated Manalo.
These ties have deep roots, going back to the time when President Manuel L. Quezon, through his “Open Door Policy,” provided a safe haven for an estimated 1,300 Jewish refugees who were fleeing the Nazi regime, he said.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection was signed by Manalo and Cohen after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting.
The agreement will provide opportunities for both Israel and the Philippines to share best practices in addressing common challenges related to the environment, preservation of ecosystems, disaster risk management, and promotion and dissemination of environmental technologies.
Cohen also paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Nation
