The Philippines and Israel have agreed on establishing direct flights between the two countries.
Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen makes a courtesy call to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace on June 5, 2023. (Photo courtesy of Jacl Burgos/ PPA Pool)
This was among the agendas discussed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen during their meeting in Malacañang on Monday, June 5.
According to Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil, Cohen raised the issue of establishing direct flights between the two countries to boost tourism and economic ties.
“There’s another thing that we, both of us, took for an action item - (it) is to have a direct flight… between Israel and the Philippines,” Cohen said referring to his earlier meeting with Filipino officials.
“And I think that we agree that both ministries will work together to have the direct flight and this is also to bring more business people to come to invest and reach the place between us. So this is also another important action item that we will do," Cohen added.
Marcos and Cohen also talked about agriculture and water management collaboration between both countries.
Cohen is on a two-day visit to the country to boost the historically friendly relations between Israel and the Philippines spanning for about 65 years now.
During his visit he aims to sign various agreements, participate in meetings with the public and private sectors and boost trade cooperation between the two nations. An Israel business delegation also joined Cohen in some of his activities to connect with Filipino business companies.