DFA: Trips to mark 'historic milestone'
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte's upcoming trips to Israel and Jordan as it will be the first visit of a Philippine leader to both Middle Eastern countries.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said the visits will mark "historic milestone" as the Philippines is expected to benefit trade and strengthen relationships with both countries.
"Both visits will be a huge leap in the Philippines' bilateral partnerships with both countries after decades of diplomatic relations," Abella said in Malacañang press briefing yesterday.
In Israel, Duterte is expected to sign agreements with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on areas of cooperation, including labor, science and investment.
The labor deal with Israel would include improvements in deployment procedures and elimination of excessive placement fees imposed on Filipino workers bound for Israel.
In Jordan, Duterte and King Abdullah II are expected to sign an agreement on the employment of domestic workers and a memorandum of understanding on labor cooperation.
Following Duterte's trip to Jordan, the Philippines is also eyeing an upgrade of its defense capabilities, trade and investment and expansion of relations.
"Strengthening ties with these nations will promote economic growth, create new employment opportunity and enhance security," Abella said.
Abella gave no details of Duterte's forthcoming overseas trips but said that he will be visiting "significant spots" in the two countries.
TENSIONS BETWEEN
ISRAEL, JORDAN
Asked whether Duterte's visits to the two Middle Eastern countries would affect the Philippines' relations with other countries that do not recognize Israel, Abella said the country is aware of "certain sensitivities."
Philstar.com