President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is keen on discussing how to further advance bilateral relations with China as he noted the tangible benefits reaped through practical cooperation.
The President made these remarks on November 15, Wednesday, after the expanded bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Malacañan as part of the latter’s Official Visit.
“I am pleased to note the positive turnaround and vigorous momentum of Philippines-China relations. Mutual trust and confidence-building have led to increased interaction on many levels of our two governments,” President Duterte said in a Joint Statement at the President’s Hall.
“Practical cooperation in many areas is bringing in an early harvest of tangible benefits. Altogether, these concerted efforts of the Philippines and China have secured peace, stability, and development in the region,” he added.
President Duterte said he is very much eager to sit down and discuss with Premier Li on how to further advance Philippines-China relations through functional cooperation in key areas such as trade, agriculture, education, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
“We will also discuss shared interests and mutual concerns on defense, security, maritime cooperation, law enforcement, transnational crime, as well as cooperation on how our two countries can confront the drug menace that haunts both shores,” he said.
According to the President, the Official Visit of the Chinese Premier allowed him to personally thank the Chinese government for its valuable support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship; the assistance to the country’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure initiatives; China’s looking out for the welfare of Filipinos who live and work in China; its benevolent assistance in providing military equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines; and its aid to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Marawi City.
“With pragmatism, mutual respect, sincerity, equality, and shared benefit, the friendly relations between our two countries will forge ahead, determined to secure a prosperous future for both our peoples,” he said.
The President also noted that Premier Li’s visit is a momentous occasion for the Philippines as it marks the first visit of a Chinese Premier to Manila in 10 years, adding that it shows the great strides accomplished in the bilateral relations between China and the Philippines since he assumed office.
Improved relations already boosted trade, tourism In response, Premier Li expressed hopes that the two countries will continue to work together to strengthen the positive momentum and work together to make up for the time that may have been lost.
During the expanded bilateral meeting, Li noted that China-Philippines cooperation is based on major support and on major benefit. (PNA)
