By Pearl Gumapos
The Philippines and China on Friday (Aug. 27) underscored the importance of enhanced economic cooperation between the two nations to boost post-pandemic recovery.
President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties with China, particularly in trade and investment 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,” the President said in a telephone conversation with China’s President Xi Jinping.
The President then thanked China for its continued assistance in the country’s COVID-19 response.
Duterte called for a “greater collaboration” between the two countries in the public health sector, especially in vaccine development and production.
He also encouraged increased investments in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, information, and communications technology, and science and technology.
The President expressed gratitude for China’s support of the Build, Build, Build program, noting the recent completion of the Estrella Pantaleon bridge that was funded by China.
Duterte said the Philippines looks forward to the early completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and China’s continued support for landmark projects. This includes flood control projects in Mindanao, Pasig Marikina River bridges, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project, and Subic-Clark Railway Project.
Xi then stated that China will continue to foster a “principled friendship” with the Philippines and strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership.
China will continue to support the administration’s Build, Build, Build program as well as the government’s ongoing efforts to defeat COVID-19, including a possible joint collaboration on vaccine development and production, President Xi elaborated.- bny
