Premier Zhu Meets Philippine President's Special EnvoyZhu made the remarks in a meeting with Alfonso Yuchengco, the Philippine President's special envoy. He said that the visit by Yuchengco, soon after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was sworn in, demonstrates the importance the Philippine government attaches to its relations with China. Zhu noted that Sino-Philippine relations have maintained a good development momentum, saying that China expects to push forward long-term and stable bilateral ties. In particular, the Chinese government wishes to increase its cooperation with the Philippines in trade and agriculture, he said. On the issue of the South China Sea, Zhu said that the heads of state of the two countries have reached an important consensus on solving the existing differences. The premier said that he hopes the two sides would proceed from the overall friendly relations between the two countries and seek ways to solve the differences through consultation, instead of taking actions that will make the issue more complicated. Yuchengco delivered a letter from Arroyo to Chinese President Jiang Zemin. He noted that the purpose of his visit is to express the wish of Arroyo and the new Philippine government to strengthen the friendship with China. Yuchengco said that the Philippines is thankful for China's support and assistance in its economic development. He added that his country is willing to further deepen bilateral exchanges in various areas in accordance with the joint declaration on bilateral cooperation in the 21st century. The Philippine government will continue to stick to the one- China policy and support China's accession to the World Trade Organization, he said, adding that the Philippines appreciates China's active role in regional dialogue and cooperation. Yuchengco stressed that the Philippines will honor its commitments and solve the differences over the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation and peaceful means. |
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