The Philippines and Israel reaffirmed bilateral ties as President Duterte met Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz in Malacañang Thursday.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Israeli Ambassador condoled with victims of the cathedral bombing in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday. Harpaz added that terrorism and violent extremism must be defeated.
The President thanked Harpaz for the expression of sympathy.
Harpaz expressed hope in forging greater Philippines-Israel cooperation agriculture and trade. Duterte vowed to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“The President likewise reaffirmed the shared values between the Philippines and Israel and renewed our country’s commitment to strengthen cooperation between the two countries across many fields,” Panelo said.
Harpaz told Duterte that Israel has ratified the agreements on opening and improving opportunities for overseas Filipinos in Israel, particularly for caregivers and those working in the hotel industry.
“Such a positive development is a direct result of President Duterte’s historic visit to Israel,” Panelo said.
Duterte visited Israel last year. During his historic visit, Duterte thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for graciously hosting some 29,000 Filipinos in Israel and treating them humanely.
Netanyahu, during his meeting with Duterte, lauded the Filipino caregivers who are taking care of Israel’s elderly and disabled. The Israel Prime Minister disclosed that he comes from an Israeli family who received the care of Filipino care workers. (Argyll Geducos)
