Chinese envoy hopes for better ties with Philippines
The People’s Republic of China consulate office in Cebu the other day expressed hope that the relationship between the Philippines and China will continue, especially in trade and tourism.
“I wish all friends present (here tonight) good fortune in the Year of the Rooster, and I also wish China and the Philippines enjoy everlasting friendship,” said Consul General Shi Yong.
Shi Yong delivered a speech during the 2017 Cebu Philippine-China Traditional Cultural Festival held at SM Cinema 1 the other night.
The festival was sponsored by the Chinese Embassy, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. and the Cebu Filipino-Chinese United Community.
“The year of the Rooster is seen as a year full of vitality and progress, a year of enhanced friendship and prosperous cooperation for China and the Philippines,” Shi Yong said.
He added that in this important year, the two governments will work hand in hand “to cement our political trust, to expand practical cooperation in regional and multilateral affairs.”
He also said that people-to-people exchange is a bridge for understanding and trust between states and between peoples.
“Today, the art troupe from Quanzhou brings the best wish- es from the Chinese people to the Philippine people, including overseas Chinese. I hope this kind of cultural exchange will be conducive to sound relations between states and amity between peoples,” Shi Yong said.
Businessman Joseph Gaisano, who hosted the festival, said everybody enjoyed the show.
“I hope that we will have more (shows) of this kind because it can promote the relationship between the Philippines and China,” Gaisano said.
Former Philippine Ambassador to China Francisco Benedicto said the show was “very nice” and to have more in the future will promote the cultures of both the Philippines and China. /
I wish China and the Philippines enjoy everlasting friendship. CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL SHI YONG