Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2, Pasay City
September 2, 2018

As he embarks on a historic back-to-back Official Visit to the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City.

The President seeks to revitalize and deepen diplomatic ties, labor cooperation, economic maintenance, security and defense by meeting with the leaders of the two countries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and King Abdullah II of Jordan.

A business delegation also accompanied the President in his visits to explore market opportunities that Israel and Jordan have to offer.

“I shall seek to fully maximize economic cooperation and realize trade potential with both Israel and Jordan,” said the Chief Executive.

The Philippines established diplomatic ties with Israel in 1957, when the country opened its borders to 1,300 Jewish refugees of the Holocaust.

On the other hand, Jordan and the Philippines commenced bilateral relations when the late King Hussein of Jordan paid a visit to the country on March 1, 1976.

President Duterte is scheduled to meet with the Filipino communities in both countries to ensure his kababayans’ welfare and security. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are estimated to be around 28,000 and 48,000 for both Israel and Jordan, respectively.

“In my meeting with the Filipino communities, I shall renew my pledge to do my utmost to bring the change we desire in our country and in ourselves as a people,” President Duterte said, further urging the said communities to be a partner for growth and progress.

The Chief Executive’s historic visits to the two nations are a first to be made by a Philippine President.

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