Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen Conducts Historic Visit to Manila

MANILA, 06 June 2023 – Israeli Foreign Minister Eliyahu Cohen is in Manila today for an official visit, the first made by an Israeli Foreign Minister since 1967.

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Israeli Foreign Minister Cohen held a bilateral meeting to discuss priority areas of cooperation.  “The relationship between the Philippines and Israel is a unique and enduring one, characterized by friendship, goodwill and strong people-to-people ties which predated the founding of the Israeli state,” stated Secretary Manalo. These ties have deep roots, going back to the time when President Manuel L. Quezon, through his “Open Door Policy”, provided safe haven for an estimated 1,300 Jewish refugees who were fleeing the Nazi regime.  

Secretary Manalo highlighted the need to expand cooperation in areas such as defense and security, tourism, trade and investment, agriculture, science and technology, and people-to-people ties.  In the context of the geopolitical environment in the Middle East and Asia, the Philippine side emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability, as well as confidence-building with key partners in these regions. 

A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection was signed by Secretary Manalo and Foreign Minister Cohen after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting.  The agreement will provide opportunities for both Israel and the Philippines to share best practices in addressing common challenges related to the environment, preservation of ecosystems, disaster risk management, and promotion and dissemination of environmental technologies.

Foreign Minister Cohen also paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. END