THE Philippines and Israel agreed on a strengthened partnership in agriculture, water management, as well as in establishing direct flights between the two countries, following a meeting in Malacañang by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.

'I think that we can work together on the segment of agriculture. I just let you know that our land, 60 percent of our land is desert. But although 60 percent of our land is desert, we were able to provide all our water needs,' Cohen said, suggesting that the two nations open an agricultural hub to push the initiative.