"I have seen that Manado has a lot of tourist potentials that can be used to improve the cooperation in this sector with the Philippines in the future," Jinenes said here on Tuesday.
He added that due to its geographic location, Manado is close to the Philippines with less than one-hour flight and that it was of great advantage for the development of the cooperation in tourism sector.
According to Jimenes, it was very important for the Philippines to step up the cooperation with North Sulawesi, especially the city of Manado.
"A number of cities in North Sulawesi were actually introduced to us and that we have a profound interest to cooperate with them but we have to start with the most advanced city in terms of economy and infrastructure namely Manado," Jimenes said.
Sangihe Talaud district is much closer to to the Philippines but Jimenes said they preferred to cooperate with Manado in the tourism sector because of its supporting infrastructure and facility.
Meanwhile, Manado based Philippine Consul General Jose Burgos said that to make the Philippine tourism ministry`s cooperation effort with North Sulawesi, they would fully support all programs initiated by North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Sarudajang for the cooperation.
"We are going to redevelop the cooperation between Davao and North Sulawesi by reopening the commercial flights from Manado to Davao," Burgos said.
He said there has been an agreement between the Philippines and North Sulawesi in terms of economic and tourism cooperation and therefore it would be increased even more in other sectors.(O001/H-NG)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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