Duterte, Xi meet; 6 agreements signed
Credit to Author: MA. REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO, TMT| Date: Thu, 29 Aug 2019 16:33:04 +0000
The Philippines and China signed six agreements on Thursday as President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing.
“Your Excellency, I am pleased to see you again and to undertake this visit upon your cordial invitation. I thank you and your government for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements”, Duterte said in his opening remarks during the bilateral meeting at Diaoyutai State Guest House.
Duterte met Xi in April when he went to China for the 2nd Belt and Road Forum.
“To be sure, there have been challenges. Yet we are living up to our commitment to define our ties as a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation,” he said.
Among the agreements signed were memorandums of understanding (MOU) on higher education cooperation and on science and technology.
Likewise signed were two loan agreements and a cooperative pact on customs matters.
“With channels for dialogue fully opened, agreements signed and projects underway, there is a clear path of partnership and convergence,” Duterte said.
“Today, we can add fresh impetus — indeed a stronger momentum — to work together. That is, to determine steps needed along a common road that lead to the goal of a strong and special relationship that is mutually respectful, collectively beneficial and decidedly reciprocal,” he added.
The President thanked China for its support to the Philippines’ military modernization, including various forms of military aid it provided for free since 2017.