Six deals signed after bilateral talks between Duterte and Xi

BEIJING, China — The Philippines and China signed six agreements to further strengthen their relationship, which is being put to test by the longstanding dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping witnessed the exchanging of the signed agreements, which took place after their much-anticipated bilateral meeting Thursday here.

The agreements signed were:

• Memorandum of Understanding on higher education cooperation between the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines and the Ministry of Education of China
• MOU on science and technology cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology of the Philippines and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China
• Cooperative arrangement between the Bureau of Customs of the Department of Finance (DOF) of the Philippines and the General Administration of Customs of China on the implementation of the intergovernmental agreement regarding cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters
• Implementation contract on the project of China-aid container inspection equipment between the Customs bureau and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce
• Exchange of notes on cooperation procedure for the availment and utilization of concessional loan under a Renminbi-denominated loan facility between the finance department and China International Development Cooperation Agency
• Preferential buyer’s credit loan agreement of project management consultancy of the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project between the finance department and the Export-Import Bank of China

Malacañang has yet to release details of the issues discussed during the bilateral meeting.

LOOK: President Duterte, Chinese President Xi Jinping hold bilateral meeting here in Beijing @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/nPV5AQU66N

— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) August 29, 2019

In his opening statement, Duterte urged Xi to reaffirm the value of their personal and official relationship as well as the trust and respect 

"To be sure, there had been challenges. Yet you are living at our commitment to define our ties as a comprehensive strategic cooperation," Duterte said.

"The channels for dialogue fully opened, agreements signed and projects underway there is a clear path of partnership and convergence," he added.

Xi said he was happy that the ties between the Philippines and China had experienced a turnaround under Duterte.

WATCH: Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers opening statement during his bilateral meeting with President Duterte here in Beijing @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/55EnbNB2X6

— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) August 29, 2019