The Philippines is expected to deepen its ties with Israel and Jordan and enhance its economic cooperation with those countries when President Rodrigo Duterte pays them a visit, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella said Thursday.
“These trips will be the first by a sitting Philippine President to both countries,” Abella told reporters in a pre-departure briefing.
“The visits will mark historic milestones, benefit trade and strengthen relationships with key partners in the Middle East.”
He said the Philippines was scheduled to sign at least eight agreements with Israel and Jordan when Duterte visits those countries from Sept. 2 to 8.
Abella said Duterte’s official visit will be a huge leap in the Philippines’ bilateral partnerships with both countries after decades of diplomatic relations.
He said Duterte will enhance different areas of cooperation with Israel as he signs agreements on the employment of Filipino caregivers, scientific cooperation and investments.
“In the future, we expect improvements in deployment procedures and the elimination of excessive placement fees imposed on Filipino workers bound for Israel,” Abella said.
With Jordan, Abella said, the Philippines expects the enhancement of labor, defense, foreign affairs, trade and investment relations and the mutual recognition of the Standard of Training and Certification of Watch Keepers for Seafarers.
He said the renewal and expansion of the relations with Israel and Jordan were in pursuit of the country’s “friends to all, enemies to none” foreign policy.
“Strengthening ties with these nations will promote economic growth, create new employment opportunities and enhance security,” he said.
“A closer relationship with these nations means more opportunity to share expertise with each other in the fields of science, agriculture, industry and counter-terrorism.”
Asked about the President’s official itinerary and the list of delegations, Abella said he did not have a complete list but it should be released to the public soon.
“I’m sure that he will be visiting [certain spots]. I cannot give you the specifics of where he’ll be going exactly. But he will be visiting significant spots,” Abella said.