Chinese, Philippine FMs discuss bilateral ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday met with his Philippine counterpart, Alan Peter Cayetano, and discussed their countries' relations.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with his Philippine counterpart, Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday September 21, 2017. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Under the guidance of the two heads of state, China-Philippine relations have maintained momentum for development, which is in the interests of the two peoples and has won the applause of the international community, including member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Wang.

The two sides should implement the consensus between their heads of state, maintain close communication, overcome interferences and push for more practical results from bilateral cooperation, so that people of the two countries can feel the tangible benefits and friendly cooperation will always be the mainstream of the relationship, said Wang.

He said China is willing to work with the Philippines to continue to explore effective ways for joint development of maritime resources.

China fully supports the Philippines' rotating ASEAN presidency and will help Manila organize many important meetings scheduled for the rest of the year, so as to push for ASEAN integration and deepen regional cooperation, said Wang.

Cayetano said his country is content with the ever improving relations and the ever strengthening bilateral cooperation with China. He thanked China's substantial help in promoting development in his country, particularly assistance for Manila's anti-terror campaign in the southern city of Marawi.

The Philippines is ready to work with China to deepen cooperation in various fields and explore ways for the joint development of maritime resources, sending out a positive message to the outside world that China-Philippine relations are improving and that the situation in the South China Sea is stabilizing, said Cayetano.