Duterte, Xi reaffirm partnership, friendship via phone call

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping once again reaffirmed the true friendship and the enduring alliance between the Philippines and China in a telesummit Friday.

During a phone call that lasted for 45 minutes, Duterte congratulated Xi and the people of China on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The Chief Executive reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to bolster ties in the areas of infrastructure development and trade and investment, citing the need for enhanced economic cooperation to accelerate post-pandemic recovery.

“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,” he said.

Duterte also thanked China for its assistance in the country’s Covid-19 response, also calling for more collaboration among the public health sector, particularly on vaccine development and production; and encouraged more investments in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, information and communications technology and science and technology.

The President expressed appreciation for China’s support for the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, particularly the recent completion of the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge, which was built through a grant from China.

Duterte likewise wished for the early completion of ongoing infrastructure projects and the East Asian nation’s continued support for landmark projects, including the flood control projects in Mindanao, Pasig Marikina River bridges, Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project and Subic-Clark Railway Project.

For his part, Xi thanked his Filipino counterpart, whom he referred as “a good friend and colleague,” for the inspiring remarks at the World Political Parties Summit in July as well as for his vital role in putting China-Philippines relations back on track.

China, he added, will continue to foster a “principled friendship” with the Philippines and strengthen the two countries’ comprehensive partnership.

In keeping with his 2018 commitment to donate a total of 10,000 metric tons of rice, Xi assured the delivery of additional rice donations to the Philippines in the near future.

Cooperation in countering terrorism will also be sustained, he also said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)