Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte arrivedin Israel on September 2 evening, beginning a seven-day tour of the Middle East.
This is the first visit to Israel by a Philippine President since thetwo nations established diplomatic ties more than 60 years ago.
During the four-day trip to Israel, President Duterte is expected tomeet with Israeli senior officials, including President Reuven Rivlin and PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu, to boost diplomatic ties between the two countries.He will also called at a weapons exhibition.
His visit is expected to include the signing of a bilateral agreement toimprove the conditions of Philippine workers in Israel.
Ina statement, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the importanceof the visit, describing it as evidence of warm and strong relations betweenIsrael and the Philippines.
Asscheduled, President Duterte will visit Jordan from September 5-8 afterwrapping up his Israel trip.-VNA