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Duterte welcomes Israeli honorary consulate in Davao as it opens for stronger PH-Israel ties

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ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA— President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday welcomed the opening of Israel’s honorary consulate in Davao City, which aims to further strengthen ties between Israelis and Filipinos. </p><p>Duterte said the “strong” Israeli presence in the city would contribute to Mindanao’s rise. </p><p>“It will open new opportunities for investment and employment and people-to-people exchanges,” he said. </p><p>Aside from warmer ties between the two countries, Israel’s honorary consulate also wanted to strengthen Israel’s relationship with Davaoeños and residents from Mindanao, Israeli Ambassador to Manila Rafael Harpaz said. </p><p>Harpaz and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., in the honorary consul’s virtual opening ceremony, both emphasized the long standing-ties between the two countries especially during the time of then-president Manuel Quezon, who opened Manila’s doors to Jewish refugees, and Israel’s assistance to Filipinos such as during the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.</p><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1050067702092107" data-width="auto"> </div><p>The honorary consulate will be headed by Jorge Marquez, a businessman based in Davao City.</p><p>“I am sincerely humbled and I look forward to being instrumental in ushering in a strengthened collaboration for the development of Mindanao,” Marquez said.</p><p>Locsin described the designation of Marquez as a “most promising development.” </p><p>“His years of experience in business and extent of his professional network will be vital in enhancing our links,” Locsin said. </p><p>Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also welcomed the establishment of the honorary consulate.</p><p>Duterte said Davaoeños would have an opportunity to learn more about Israel. </p><p>“Israeli nationals in Davao and Mindanao would have easier access to Israeli government support and assistance,” Mayor Duterte said.</p><div><strong>— Report from Adrian Ayalin, ABS-CBN News</strong></div>

<p>President Rodrigo Duterte said the “strong” Israeli presence in Davao City would contribute to Mindanao’s rise. </p>

President Rodrigo Duterte said the “strong” Israeli presence in Davao City would contribute to Mindanao’s rise.