MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will go on an official visit to the Kingdom of Jordan from September 5 to 8, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday.
The president will meet with King Abdullah II to reaffirm and renew the ties between the two countries.
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The two leaders are expected to discuss issues of mutual concern to the Philippines and Jordan, including broadening cooperation in key areas to advance peace progress and prosperity.
"On this important visit, the first to be made by a Philippine President to Jordan, business leaders from both countries will likewise meet to explore ways of increasing two way trade and investments," the DFA said.
Duterte is also set to meet with members of the Filipino community in Jordan as part of his administration's goal of "empowering Filipino overseas and enhancing their well-being."
The president will visit Israel first from September 2 to 5, where he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Duterte and Netanyahu are expected to discuss how to develop ties on issues including security and counter-terrorism.
The president said that retiring police and military officials will accompany him to his upcoming overseas trip as a "gift" for their service to the country.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has justified Duterte's decision to bring retiring policemen and soldiers with him, stressing that the men in uniform will have their own agenda during the visit to the Gulf state.
"Including them, of course, as a part of gesture for appreciation is part of the reason why they will be joining the trip but, obviously, for a security personnel, a trip to Israel would entail collaborating and mingling with security forces of Israel in order for our men in uniform to benefit from the experience of Israel, particularly in their drive against extremism and terrorism," Roque said on Tuesday. — Patricia Lourdes Viray