MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and China have committed to “embrace new development opportunities” in 2020 as they mark their 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including oil and gas development as well as major infrastructure projects, during their meeting on Jan. 2.
Huang, who replaced Zhao Jianhua last December, invited Locsin to his residence to celebrate the New Year, the Chinese embassy said in a statement.
The embassy, however, did not provide additional details about the possible joint ventures between the two countries this year but the two envoys agreed to work jointly “in the spirit of seizing the day and living it to the full to push for further substantive progress in bilateral cooperation across the board.”
Huang expressed his appreciation for Locsin’s contribution to the China-Philippines relations. Locsin, on the other hand, expressed his pleasure at the Chinese Ambassador’s invitation at the start of the New Year and “happily” recalled his long engagement with China since his first visit to Beijing in 1967.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction on the development of Philippines-China relations during the past year under the strategic guidance of President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Locsin and Huang were joined by officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese embassy.