QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Foreign Minister Eli Cohen of Israel conducted a 2-day visit to the Philippines from June 4 (Sunday) to June 6 (Tuesday) with an aim to forge mutually beneficial partnerships that will further strengthen the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
On Monday, June 5, Foreign Minister Cohen paid a courtesy visit to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to primarily discuss core areas of mutual cooperation which include the sectors of agriculture, food security, economy, trade, defense, and tourism.
The Israeli delegate also met with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo to sign a Cooperation Agreement in Environmental Protection and led the Israel-Philippines Business Forum which served as a platform for economic collaboration.
Cohen likewise convened the Israeli business delegation to pool knowledge and identify innovations on water, cybersecurity, and agriculture that can be shared among Filipino companies to help them attain sustainable entrepreneurial growth.
“Israel, a true friend and ally of the Philippines, is committed to nurturing the strong bonds between our nations. We are committed to assist and share our knowledge with the Philippines in the areas of agriculture, water, and innovation and technology,” said Foreign Minister Cohen, expressing Israel’s commitment to invite a total of 550 Filipino interns every year to the agriculture internship program in the country.
Meanwhile, on June 6, the Foreign Minister visited the Israeli-made FAIC-M (Shaldag) Ships which have been turned over to the Philippines in support of the modernization of the country’s defense systems.
Moreover, Cohen offered a wreath at the Israel-Philippines Friendship Monument in Quezon City that symbolizes the historically friendly relations of the said countries.
“Israel-Philippines friendship extends beyond trade. We have a long tradition of cultural exchange and people-to-people ties. Our diplomatic relations were established 65 years ago, a decade after the Philippine vote of support for the establishment of a Jewish State in the UN, in 1947. The Philippines was the only Asian country to support this resolution,” said Cohen.
“A decisive milestone in our friendship was in 1938, when president Quezon opened the doors to 1300 Jews who were in the persecution of Nazi Germany in Europe. The shared history of friendship and cooperation has nurtured trust and understanding, laying the groundwork for even closer collaboration,” he added.
On May 16, 2023, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a sister city agreement with Rishon LeZion Mayor Raz Kinstlich of Israel to fortify resilient partnerships that were built on the long-standing friendship between Israel and the Philippines.
The Philippines and Israel are celebrating the 65th anniversary of their friendly relations this year. (PIA-NCR)
