Xi Jinping, Rodrigo Duterte agree on full improvement of bilateral ties

Xi Jinping said that China-Philippines friendship remains unchanged

Beijing, Oct 20: Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Philippines counterpart Rodrigo Duterte here on Thursday resolved to achieve full improvement and greater progress in bilateral ties, media reported.

Describing the two countries as "neighbours across the sea", Xi said that though their relations have gone through twists and turns, the foundation of China-Philippines friendship and the willingness to cooperate remain unchanged, Xinhua news agency reported.

China highly values its relations with the Philippines, and is ready to work with the country to cement political trust and win-win cooperation, properly handle differences and become good partners, Xi said during talks with Duterte.

He said managing differences on the South China Sea issue through dialogue and consultation is an important foundation for the healthy and stable growth of China-Philippines relations.

China supports the efforts of the new Philippine government in fighting against drug, terrorism and crime, and would like to cooperate with the Philippines in these areas, Xi said.

China is ready to enhance cooperation with the Philippines under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative, he added.

Duterte is on a state visit to China from October 18 to 21. His China trip is his first official visit to a foreign country outside Asean since he took office in June this year.

Beijing-Manila ties had deteriorated due to the South China Sea arbitration case brought by Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, against China.

IANS