By Azer Parrocha/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Two formal agreements were signed between the Philippines and China during President Rodrigo Duterte’s fourth trip to Beijing, China to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum, Malacañang said on Thursday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador said the two agreements were signed after the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing on Thursday.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of the Handover Certificate Grant-Aid for the Dangerous Drugs Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers Project.
Panelo explained that this is a “ceremonial hand-over” of the drug treatment facilities in Sarangani and Agusan del Norte, which were provided by China through grants.
The agreement was signed by Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana and Chinese Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan.
Duterte and Xi also witnessed the signing of the Exchange of Letters on Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation between the Philippines and China, Panelo said.
He noted that the document proposes a project list, which will serve as the focus of cooperation between the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
NEDA Secretary Ernesto Pernia and Chairman He Lifeng of NDRC signed the document on behalf of their respective countries.
Earlier, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Meynardo Montealegre said the two countries are expected to sign at least five agreements on education, anti-corruption, official development assistance, and drug rehabilitation.
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