PH hosts 20th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations

Deparment of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Enrique Manalo discussed with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Vice Minister Liu Zhenmin the subjects of cooperation, trade, tourism, and culture at the 20^th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) in Manila held last January 18, 2017.

Image grabbed from Philippine Information Agency.

Led by Manalo, the Philippine delegates emphasized that they are planning to continuously enhance its cooperation with China, with President Duterte’s 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan as their guide.

Meanwhile, China expressed their support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2017. Both countries assured each other that they will continuously be committed to upholding peace in the South China Sea for the peaceful resolutions of its disputes. The two countries also agreed to establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism on the South China Sea, discussing the issues and concerns of the two parties. This was from the Joint Statement issued on the occasion of President Duterte’s State Visit to China last year.

“The Philippines and China should work together and cooperate for peace and stability in the region, and build mutual trust and confidence,” Manalo said.

The Philippines and China agreed to hold another FMC on 2018, to be hosted by China.

 

Sources: Philippine Information Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs