MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / June 17, 2013) – The Philippines and China held talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs told the Mindanao Examiner.
It said the talks were held in Beijing at the 19th Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan Garcia and Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin led their own delegations. They reaffirmed their commitment to promote and expand their bilateral relations.
The DFA said the officials discussed a wide range of issues that relate to the development of Philippines-China bilateral relations, focusing particularly on strengthening cooperation in trade and other economic areas, defense and security, socio-cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and cooperative endeavors between the two foreign ministries.
“They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. On the issue of the West Philippine Sea, both sides reiterated their established positions,” it said.
The foreign ministry consultations were followed by a courtesy call by the Philippine delegation, led by Garcia, on the Chinese Foreign Minister where both sides stressed the need to promote mutual trust and to cooperate in order to achieve tangible benefits for both countries.
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