His Excellency, Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay embarked on an official visit to Israel from October 23 to 28.

 

The official visit was highlighted by a courtesy call between the Vice-President and the President of the State of Israel, His Excellency Shimon Peres, representing another milestone in Israel-Philippines bilateral ties. They were joined by officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

     

Vice-President Jejomar Binay (left) called on the President of Israel, Shimon Peres, during his official trip. The two exchanged views and vowed to strengthen relations through trade and investments.

His Excellency Generoso D. G. Calonge, Ambassador of the Philippines to Israel and His Excellency Menashe Bar-On, Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines, also accompanied the Vice-President’s delegation.      

 

VP Binay also met with Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman, to discuss regional developments and the enhancement of ties in various aspects. Their exchange of views was followed by a dinner hosted by the Foreign Minister in honor of the Vice-President.

 

During the visit, VP Binay paid homage to the victims of the Holocaust, and will be laying a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.

 

The Vice-President met Israeli business groups and industry leaders in an effort to promote the Philippines as an investment hub. He encouraged more trade with the Philippines and its new opportunities.

 

Between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, the VP was hosted by the cities of Haifa and Rishion LeZion – who both have historical ties with Philippines. Haifa currently maintains sister-city with the capital, Manila City.

 

The VP also proceeded to Rishion LeZion and visited the Open Doors Monument - signifying the "open doors" policy of absorbing Jews by President Manuel Quezon during the Holocaust.

 

In his departure statement, the Vice-President said: "I hope to learn more on how we could benefit from Israel’s technological advances in agriculture and food production, among others, and how we could attract technology transfer and further investments from Israel to the Philippines.

 

The Philippines and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1957, followed by an exchange of embassies in 1962. The Philippines was also the only Asian country to vote for the Partition Plan, which established the State of Israel.