(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their bilateral meeting on Thursday, reaffirming and strengthening diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China.
“We look forward to a productive discussion on matters of mutual interest and concern,” said Duterte, in his opening remarks prior to their bilateral meeting.
He said that the Philippines and China “must continue to work together to explore new areas of cooperation and partnership.”
-Better PHL-China relations-
China’s Xi for his part, said, ““We’re happy to see that China and Philippine relations are getting better and better.”
“I treat Mr. President a good friend, a genuine friend and trustful partner,” he said of the Philippine leader.
Xi also extended China’s condolences to the earthquake victims back in the Philippines.
He said the Philippines is an important partner in the Belt and Road initiative.
Philippine President Duterte said that both the Philippines and China envision “high quality and good impact projects.”
“The sooner they are completed, the sooner people on the ground will feel the benefits of Philippine-China relations,” he said.
Duterte described Xi’s visit to Manila last November as a “watershed moment in the Philippine-China ties.”
“The decision to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive, strategic cooperation affirms the Philippines and China’s strong desire to further deepen and broaden this engagement,” he said.
-2 bilateral agreements signed-
The two leaders witnessed the signing of two bilateral agreements during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People.
The first agreement was an exchange of commitment letters on production capacity and investment cooperation.
This is a documents which proposes a list of projects that will serve as the focus of cooperation between the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
Duterte and Xi also witnessed the handover of China’s grant package for drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in Sarangani and Agusan del Norte.
President Duterte was invited personally by China’s President Xi to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum.
He is one 35 heads of state and international leaders who had flown to Beijing to attend the forum
