Phl-Israel bolster diplomatic ties

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) seeks to strengthen bilateral ties with Israel through collaboration in public transportation.

During the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ 30th general membership meeting, Sec. Bautista underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries, saying that the Philippines and Israel signed an agreement in August 1951, allowing commercial airlines to fly between Manila and Tel Aviv.

“Since then, we have had multi-level agreements and cooperation that enrich our bilateral relations,” Sec. Bautista said.

The transport chief sought Tel Aviv’s support to establish a connected and efficient Philippine transport system by investing in major projects such as airports, rail systems, maritime and road transport projects.

“We have ongoing discussions with 10 foreign governments, including Israel, for possible partnerships on infrastructure flagship projects. [The] overarching goal of these projects is to improve mobility and connectivity because we find the status quo in the transport sector unacceptable,” he said.