Duterte to seek economic, defense cooperation during his Mideast trip

President Rodrigo Duterte of Sunday vowed to seek assistance from Israel and Jordan in the country's efforts to strengthen the economy, intensify trade, and improve security, among others, during his historic visit to the two Mideast countries.

The Chief Executive will be in Israel from September 2 to 5, the first by a Philippine leader since diplomatic ties were established between the two countries in 1957.

"I shall seek to have a robust relationship that looks forward to broader cooperation on a broad range of mutually important areas, defense and security, law enforcement, economic investments, trade and labor," Duterte said in his pre-departure speech on Sunday.

Duterte is also scheduled to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan during his visit to the Arab nation from September 5 to 8.

"The agenda is promising, as I seek to renew relations with a country and people which have the common aspiration. Certainly, I look forward to discussing ways and advancing cooperation in the key areas of improving defense and security, sustaining growth, addressing transnational crime, intensifying trade and investment, and enhancing labor cooperation," Duterte said.

Joining the President on the trip are his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and his grandson, Marko Digong.

Duterte's official delegation includes Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, Presidential Political Adviser Francis Tolentino, Senator Richard Gordon, Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año, Philippine Coast Guard commandant Elson Hermogino will also join the President on the trip.

Designated officer-in-charge while he is away is Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

Duterte promised to "maximize economic cooperation and realize trade potential with both Israel and Jordan."

"We will invite their business leaders to look into our own rich market potential," the President said. 

Duterte is also set to visit the Filipino communities in the two nations.

"In my meeting with the Filipino communities, I shall renew my pledge to do my utmost to bring the change we desire in our country, in ourselves as a people. I will ask them to continue to be our partners for growth, progress and change," Duterte said.

"In these Official Visits, I will continue to be guided by my mandate to uphold and protect the national interests of the Philippines," he added.

Duterte said there are about 28,000 Filipinos in Israel and 48,000 in Jordan.  —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG/BM, GMA News