MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:41 p.m.) —President Rodrigo Duterte's upcoming trips to Israel and Jordan are historic as it will the first time for a Philippine leader to visit the Middle Eastern countries. The labor deal with Israel would include improvements in deployment procedures and elimination of excessive placement fees imposed on Filipino workers bound for Israel. Tensions between Israel, JordanAsked whether Duterte's visits to the two Middle Eastern countries would affect the Philippines' relations with other countries that do not recognize Israel, Abella said the country is aware of "certain sensitivities." The relationship between Israel and Jordan have been strained due to claims on the holy sites in Jerusalem. Israel also assured Jordan that it remains committed to the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, the Associated Press reported.

Source: Philippine Star August 30, 2018 05:19 UTC