Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen wrapped up his two-day official visit to Manila with agreements signed, boosted economic and trade cooperation, and stronger relations with the Philippines.
FM Cohen paid his courtesy visit on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to renew Israel’s commitment to enhance current partnerships in the areas of agriculture, water, innovation and technology, and economic cooperation. “Israel, a true friend and ally of the Philippines, is committed to nurturing the strong bonds between our nations,” FM Cohen said. Defense collaboration, growing partnership on food security, and direct flights were also discussed.
In the bilateral meetings conducted with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, FM Cohen recognized the important role of the Filipino caregivers in Israel. “The OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) are an essential part of Israeli society. We care for their well-being while working in Israel and even after,” FM Cohen stressed. They also discussed matters such as cooperation on defense, trade and economy, innovation and technology, among others.
In the Israel-PH Business Forum, FM Cohen urged Israeli and Filipino businesses to seize the opportunity, forge new partnerships, and establish meaningful connections. “Together, we can elevate our bilateral trade volume to new heights, strengthening our economies and improving the lives of our citizens,” he explained. Accompanying FM Cohen was a group of Israeli business delegation that was connected with Filipino business companies during a business forum organized by Israel’s trade mission to increase trade and economic cooperation.
FM Cohen also inaugurated the expansion of the Israeli Embassy in Manila, met the Jewish community in a networking event of the Jewish Association of the Philippines and the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
He also participated in an exclusive dinner for Filipino business leaders hosted by the Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and had productive meetings with National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Arsenio Molina Balisacan. He also met with Asian Development Bank Vice President Ahmed M. Saeed and emphasized that Israel, a country in Asia, is looking forward to completing the process of joining the ADB in the very near future. FM Cohen said that Israel and ADB share common interests and development efforts in wide areas of cooperation, especially agriculture, food security, and water management. “Israel is a leader in fields of innovation and can bring technological solutions to developing countries in the region,” he expressed.
The Israeli Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call on VADM Toribio Adaci Jr., Flag-Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy and visited the recently commissioned Faic-M (Shaldag) Ships from Israel.
One of the highlights of FM Cohen’s visit is the signing of an agreement on cooperation on environmental protection. This should lead to more partnerships in addressing issues of sustainability and climate change on International Environment Day. He also witnessed the signing of the following: agreements between the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce and the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, MOU between IEI and PhilExport, an agreement between Agrilver and Albay Agriculture Cooperative, and MOU between Agrotop and Milling Technology Corporation.
Now in its 65th year of friendship, FM Cohen reiterated the historically friendly relations between Israel and the Philippines. “Israel will never forget the display of solidarity and humanity by the Philippines, led by then President Manuel L. Quezon, saving the lives of 1,300 persecuted Jews by Nazi Germany. In addition to that, we will always remember that the Philippines were the only Asian country to support the creation of the modern state of Israel back in November 1947,” he expounded.
FM Cohen also offered wreaths in Rizal Park and the Israel-Philippines Friendship Monument in Quezon City with Mayor Joy Belmonte.
“The visit of Israel’s Foreign Minister to the Philippines reassures that Israel is a friend and an ally of the Philippines, and we see the relations flourishing further in the years to come,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
The visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to the Philippines is a strong political and economic message built after the visit of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to Israel in 2018 which paved the way for the opening of the Israeli Defense and Economic Attaché offices in Manila, signing of bilateral agreements on OFWs, and expanding defense cooperation.
FM Cohen visited Manila from June 5-6, 2023.
