Chinese Foreign Minister to visit Phl Sept 16-18
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a three-day official visit to the Philippines beginning Sept. 16.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced yesterday that Wang is visiting the Philippines from Sept. 16 to 18 at the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano that is aimed at “further building on the increasingly strong foundation of friendship between the Philippines and China.”
After a successful visit to China by the Philippine economic managers last month, the DFA said Wang’s visit will again provide both sides an opportunity to take stock of infrastructure projects under the Philippine govern- ment’s flagship Build, Build, Build program.
The DFA said “the two sides are also expected to continue discussions on oil and gas cooperation, with the view of coming up with a framework of cooperation that conforms to respective rules and regulations and international laws.”
“With continued dialogue and consultation anchored on mutual trust and respect, and the resolute pursuit of mutually beneficial practical cooperation, Philippines and China will continue to work together in managing differences and addressing issues pertaining to the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement.
“State Councilor Wang’s visit is a demonstration that our bilateral ties are becoming solid and steady as never before,” Cayetano said.
“The Philippines and China are both committed to continue on the path of cooperation, all the while ensuring that the Filipino and the Chinese peoples will reap the dividends of our mutual efforts,” he said.
Last month, Cayetano expressed optimism that a framework for the joint exploration by the Philippines and China for oil and gas in the West Philippine Sea would be signed in Beijing this month.
According to Cayetano, the experts are confident that a joint exploration and joint development will “not in any way violate our Constitution and will not in any way damage or give away or do anything negative to our arbitration award.”