During meeting with Rivlin, Duterte announces future arms sales only with Israel; Cites no restrictions, unlike with China, Germany and USA, and Israel’s assistance during Marawi siege.
The Philippines will only purchase arms from Israel.
President Duterte made the announcement during a meeting with Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem.
Duterte’s visit is centered on strengthening bilateral ties and increasing trade, particularly in defense. He was quoted stating on Tuesday “My guidelines to military officials dictate that in the field of army equipment and weapons, there is only one country to buy from. That is Israel.”
He cited Israel’s lack of restrictions on arms sales, unlike the United States which has “restrictions, same with China and Germany”. He also referenced Israel’s support for the Philippines in thwarting terrorism, mainly from ISIS. He stated “Israel has helped our country in our fight against terrorism. I instructed my military brass to purchase weapons and military equipment only from Israel.”
Duterte on Monday thanked Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu for its assistance during the Marawi siege in 2017. The siege by ISIL-affiliated groups with government forces in Mindanao lasted for five months, Israel providing intelligence and humanitarian aid. The president thanked Israel for its “critical help that you… extended my country in time when we needed it most. In the recent trouble in the Philippines, the extent of the help that you extended was very critical in winning the war.”
The Filipino President will continue his Israel tour through Wednesday before flying to Amman.
Photo: Aleksander Mijatovic/Shutterstock.com
