By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said the “win-win cooperation” between the Philippines and China will guarantee the countries’ partnership for greater peace, progress, and prosperity as the two countries celebrated their 46th anniversary of diplomatic relations on June 9.
In a statement, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to China for its “timely acts of solidarity and assistance” to the Philippines that helped the latter in “taking crucial steps towards healing and economic recovery” amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Philippines and China enjoy a deep and abiding friendship that predates by centuries the establishment of diplomatic relations. This is an enduring bond that we value deeply,” Duterte said.“Over the past four decades, our ties have grown and deepened through concrete and purposive cooperation.”
The Philippine President added that he is confident that his administration’s Build Build Build program, together with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, will “reap long-term benefits for our peoples.”
He also said PH-China economic ties are the “dynamic force” that will “continue to drive our bilateral relations forward.”
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed that the Philippines and China are “friendly neighbors with time-honored friendship.”
“In recent years, with concerted efforts of both sides, China-Philippines relations have maintained healthy and stable development, bringing tangible benefits to our two peoples,” he said.
The Chinese leader assured that they are “ready to work” with President Duterte in guiding bilateral relations to “move forward in a sustained and steady manner, so as to achieve greater win-win results and mutual benefits.” – jlo
