MANILA – A high-level defense delegation from Israel is scheduled to visit the Philippines in the coming months to discuss ongoing Israeli projects and possible involvement in the next phase of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The confirmation came from the Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss during a forum in Quezon City on Wednesday.
According to the envoy, the delegation will be led by Israel’s Ministry of Defense-International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT).
“[They will also] discuss the next modernization program or the Horizon 3 and see where we can get more involved, so these will be meetings mostly with the defense officials,” Ambassador Fluss told reporters.
Fluss also said that the delegation will check on the ongoing Israel defense projects and commitments.
“Basically, this is (one of) the agenda and to understand what are the future technologies that will be needed here vis-a-vis the Horizon 3 and then to see where we can integrate the Israeli technology,” he said.
The modernization program of the AFP dubbed Horizon 3 is slated for 2023 to 2028, while during the two Horizons, Israel successfully delivered artillery, howitzers and armored personnel and mortar carriers to the Philippines.
Fluss also mentioned the possibility of Israel and the Philippines working towards the promotion of peace and stability against the context of the ever-changing geopolitical environment both in the Middle East and in Asia.
“As you know we have our issue in the Middle East that are different than the challenges here but our approach (in regional security) is very similar,” he said.
Aside from the visit, Fluss said that there are three more high-level engagements scheduled in Manila, one of which will focus on the economic relations of the two countries.
