THE Philippines and China expressed a mutual desire to resolve their outstanding issues, particularly concerning the territorial claims, that have shaken their relations.
Sent by President Benigno Aquino as his special envoy Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in the 9th China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, China.
During the meeting, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement, the Chinese Vice President expressed appreciation to President Aquino for sending Roxas which underscored the importance of the bilateral relations of the two nations for the Philippines.
“Secretary Mar Roxas, President Aquino’s Special Envoy, met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Friday (September 21). The meeting occurred on the occasion of the 9th China-ASEAN Expo held in Nanning, China,” the Palace statement read.
Lacierda said that Vice President Xi expressed appreciation for President Aquino’s decision to send a special envoy.
“This showed the importance that President Aquino attaches to Philippines-China relations,” Vice President Xi said.
The DILG Secretary, for his part, expressed confidence that he had faithfully delivered President Aquino’s message to the Chinese government.
“We had a frank and candid exchange of views and I am satisfied that I was able to faithfully convey President Aquino’s message. Vice President Xi promised to bring President Aquino’s message to the attention of Chinese President Hu Jintao,” Roxas said.
He added that the “discussions were constructive and the talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere.”
Lacierda said the meeting focused on the current outstanding issues between the two countries as well as on the other dimensions of their bilateral relationship.
Joining Roxas in the meeting were Lacierda, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio and Philippine Embassy Beijing Charge d’Affaires Alex Chua.
Ref: http://www.journal.com.ph
Tags: China, issues, Philippines, relationship, understanding
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