Duterte arrives in Israel for ‘historic’ visit

JERUSALEM— President Rodrigo Duterte arrived here before dawn Monday (Philippine time) for a four-day historic visit.

Duterte arrived at the Ben Gurion International Airport 1:32 a.m. (Philippines time) together with government officials and retiring military and police generals.

The President will immediately meet with 1, 400 Filipino workers at the Ramada Hotel.  Israel is home to some 28,000 Filipino workers.

Nathaniel Imperial, Ambassador of the Philippines to the State of Israel, said the visit of Duterte “is extremely important.”

“We consider this visit extremely important. We consider it a historic visit and we hope to transform this historic relationship and this enduring friendship into a more vibrant and stronger partnership,” Imperial said.

During his visit here, the President will witness the signing of labor, defense, science, trade and investment deals.

The chief executive will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center and the Open Doors monument to commemorate the humanitarian assistance provided by the Philippines to Jewish refugees escaping the Holocaust in the late 1930s.

“We expect the President to visit this important site, which symbolizes our strong friendship with the Israeli people. And you know it’s an important part and highlight of the visit of the President,” Imperial said.

This monument is a manifestation of this enduring friendship and the shared history between the Philippines and Israel,” he added.

After his visit here, the President will proceed to Jordan for a three-day official visit. /ee

READ: Duterte starts ‘historic’ trip to Holy Land