The Philippines and China reiterated their commitment to boost investment, trade, and infrastructure development.
The Philippines and China reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties by boosting investment, trade, and infrastructure development.
In a telesummit held last August 27, 2021, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the importance of the enduring friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation between the two countries.
The President congratulated President Xi and the people of China on the Centennial Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of China.
Underscoring the imperative for enhanced economic cooperation to accelerate post-pandemic recovery, President Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in investment and trade and infrastructure development.
“Asia’s dynamic future depends on how hard we all work together, how we respect each other and how we ensure that we as nations are mindful not just of our rights but of our responsibilities,” said President Duterte.
President Duterte also thanked China for its assistance in the Philippines’ pandemic response while calling for greater collaboration in the public health sector, particularly on vaccine development and production.
In addition, President Duterte urged increased Chinese investments in key sectors such as fisheries, information and communications technology, agriculture, and science and technology.
The President likewise conveyed appreciation for China’s support for the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, noting the recent completion of the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge which was funded by China.
Also, the President noted that the Philippines looked forward to the early completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and China’s continued support for landmark projects.
In this regard, the President stressed the importance of further improving bilateral processes for the imposition of bilateral projects.
Likewise, President Xi and President Duterte talked about regional and global developments, noting the possible implications on the Asia-Pacific.
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President Xi, for his part, thanked President Duterte whom he considered “a good friend and colleague” for the inspiring remarks at the World Political Parties Summit (WPPS) held in July 2021, and for his vital role in putting China-Philippines relations back on track.
According to President Xi, China will continue to foster a “principled friendship” with the Philippines and to strengthen the comprehensive partnership of the two countries.
China honored its promise to friends and was therefore prepared to work with the Philippines so that all bilateral projects will come into fruition.
Particularly, President Xi elaborated that China will continue to support the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program as well as the Philippine government’s ongoing efforts to defeat COVID-19 — including through a possible joint collaboration on vaccine development and production.
The telephone conversation between Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping lasted for 45 minutes.
You can read the full statement through this link.
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