MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 15, 2012) – The Philippines and China held their 17th Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) in Beijing, covering comprehensive issues and topics concerning bilateral relations, Filipino officials said Sunday.
Officials said the Filipino panel, headed by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy, Erlinda Basilio, met Saturday with Chinese Assistant Secretary Liu Zhenmin.
Basilio also met China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Executive Vice Minister Zhang Zhijun. The discussions sought to advance the consensus reached by the two sides at the highest levels during the State Visit to China of President Benigno Aquino III.
Officials said the two sides had friendly and constructive talks and affirmed the commitment of the two governments to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations such as in the areas of energy, science and technology, disaster mitigation and adaptation, law enforcement and maritime cooperation, among others.
The 17th FMC kicks off a series of high-level visits and meetings between the two governments and numerous cultural and people-to-people endeavors during the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges in 2012-2013.
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