Virus, economy at core of Duterte-Xi convo
Philippine President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping committed to work together on Friday in fighting the coronavirus disease as part of global efforts to limit and contain the spread of the virus.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the commitment was shared by the two leaders following President Duterte’s telephone conversation with Xi Jinping Thursday night which lasted for 38 minutes.
Roque said the two leaders discussed progress in combating COVID-19 and their strategies to restart their respective economies.
He said the President mentioned to his Chinese counterpart the need for cooperation in clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccine development and underscored the importance of making such vaccine accessible and affordable to all countries.
President Xi assured President Duterte of his country’s commitment to make the vaccine available for all, adding that the Philippines, as a friendly neighbor, would certainly be a priority.
“Both leaders also took the occasion to review Philippine-China relations, emphasizing the friendship of the two countries and the significant increase in mutual cooperation in a wide range of areas,” Roque said.
Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje, said the two leaders discussed progress in their respective fight against COVID-19 and crucial strategies to restart economies under the new normal.
Borje said President Duterte received President Xi’s full support in ensuring supply chain connectivity, particularly in critical medical supplies and equipment, promoting the free flow of goods and resuming and completing priority infrastructure cooperation projects in the Philippines.
President Xi, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude for Manila’s support for China’s own fight against COVID-19, including the Philippines goodwill donation to the city of Wuhan, describing this as acts of kindness that shall be returned many times more.
“The two leaders likewise reviewed Philippines-China relations, noting the value of the friendship and the significantly increasing cooperation in wide areas of mutual interest,” Borje said.
During their conversation, Borje said both leaders expressed appreciation for each other’s warmly written messages on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“The exchange of letters demonstrated shared commitment to strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperation and articulated the resolve to uphold peace, stability, prosperity and principles of international law, including the rule of law,” Borje said.
“President Xi likewise extended warm wishes to President Duterte and the Filipino people on the occasion of the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence,” he said.