Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City
September 8, 2018
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his arrival statement at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City after embarking on two historic visits to the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
“I am pleased to renew the Philippines’ friendship with two important countries in a region of crucial significance to our nation,” President Duterte said as he outlined the outcome of his visits to the two countries.
In Israel, President Duterte witnessed the signing of 21 business agreements that included three (3) memoranda of agreement (MOAs), 11 memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and seven (7) letters of intent (LOIs) signed between the business representatives of the Philippines and Israel.
The six (6) agreements covered weapon manufacturing and cyber security and intelligence, while 15 agreements were related to the business sector.
The Chief Executive returned to the country with an estimated US$82.9 million or PhP4.43 billion worth of investments from Israel that is expected to generate 790 jobs for the Filipinos.
Also, he mentioned his separate meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin of Israel. “Both the Prime Minister and the President recognized the strength and depth of our meaningful shared history and the common values that bind our nations and peoples,” the President added.
Following his visit to Israel, the Chief Executive proceeded to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan where he witnessed the signing of various memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and letters of intent (LOIs) between the Philippines and Jordan.
At least two (2) memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and seven (7) letters of intent (LOIs) were signed in a business forum with an estimated investment value of US$60.675 million that is expected to generate 434 jobs for the Filipinos.
“In Jordan, I met His Majesty King Abdullah II. We identified areas for concrete collaboration to address terrorism and extreme violence. Together with His Majesty’s Cabinet, we discussed ways to expand cooperation in two-way trade and investment, human resource development, interfaith dialogue and tourism, and other areas of governance,” President Duterte shared.
He also stated that with these landmark visits, the Philippines continues to write a new chapter of enhanced bilateral partnerships based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, shared interests and common values.
“Allow me again to express my gratitude to Israel and Jordan for making these historic visits possible and for continuing to work closely with the Philippine Government in pursuing greater peace, progress and prosperity for all,” President Duterte emphasized.
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