MANILA -- Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. welcomed the formal opening of the Chinese consulate general in Davao on Sunday, saying its inauguration underscores the growing cooperation between Manila and Beijing.
The consulate general was inaugurated by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Davao for a two-day visit that would include bilateral meetings with Locsin and other Philippine officials.
“Being the biggest Philippine city in terms of land area, and the third largest in terms of population, the inauguration of the Chinese consulate general here in Davao is an auspicious sign of the city’s promise and the bright prospects for our engagement with China,” Locsin said in his remarks.
“May this be a continued testament to an immemorial friendship, to a robust and interconnected relationship, and to sustained interactions between the Philippines and China, as we promote our common goals to the mutual benefit of both our great nations,” he added.
Locsin said he was pleased with the positive turnaround and vigorous momentum in Philippines-China relations.
“The Philippines has always been a friend of China,” the Secretary said, as he recalled how he broke through the Western news embargo on China in 1967 to see for himself and tell the world of the progress that China had made.
“We have since enhanced our dialogue and consensus on many levels,” he said. “Our practical cooperation in many areas is reaping an early harvest of tangible benefits.”
Locsin said he is looking forward to sitting down and discussing with State Councilor Wang on Monday ways to further advance Philippines-China relations through cooperation in various areas.
These areas include trade, investments, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and education, science and technology, anti-terrorism, anti-narcotics, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. This is the first time State Councilor Wang is visiting Davao.
“Davao is a rapidly growing metropolis that also signifies the friendship between our peoples and the great strides that we have accomplished in the bilateral relations between our two countries,” Locsin said.
Davao is renowned for its strategic location and connectivity, a gateway to the rich resources and culture of Mindanao. It also accounts for 40 percent of Chinese fruit imports from the Philippines. (DFA PR)
