President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes His Excellency Eli Cohen, Foreign Minister of the State of Israel, during a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace on June 5, 2023.

The Israeli Foreign Minister, who is on a two-day visit to the Philippines, is travelling with a business delegation to boost the historically friendly relations between the two countries, connect with Filipino business companies to increase trade and economic cooperation, and enhance current partnerships in the areas of agriculture, water, innovation and technology.

Apart from paying a courtesy call on President Marcos Jr., Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen held a bilateral meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo where they signed a Cooperation Agreement on Environmental Protection coinciding with World Environment Day. He is also holding talks with National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and set to participate in meetings with public and private sectors, among others.

The Philippines and State of Israel signed the Treaty of Friendship on 26 February 1958 and are celebrating their 65th anniversary of friendly relations this year, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.

Minister Eli Cohen is the first Israeli Foreign Minister to visit the Philippines in 56 years.

Photos: Joey Razon/PNA