Chinese President, FM Mark Philippine Independence DayChinese President Jiang Zemin and Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan sent messages on Tuesday to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President and Foreign Secretary Teofisto Guingona to mark the 103rd anniversary of the independence of the Philippines.In his message, President Jiang expressed great appreciation for the unremitting efforts and remarkable achievements made by the Philippine people over the past century and more in safeguarding national independence, promoting social progress and invigorating national economy. Jiang said bilateral ties between China and the Philippines have witnessed great development since the two countries established diplomatic relations 26 years ago, with friendship between the two peoples growing day by day and mutually beneficial cooperation deepening continuously in all fields. The Chinese president said that he firmly believes the development of Sino-Philippine friendship has broad prospects. With our joint efforts, our relations of good neighborliness and mutual trust and cooperation of mutual benefit will witness steady growth in the new century. Tang, in a separate message, said he hopes to work with his Philippine counterpart Guingona for the fulfillment of the tasks set forth in the Joint Statement on the Framework for Cooperation between the two countries in the 21st century. He also pledged his "unremitting efforts" in developing Sino- Philippine long-term and stable relations. |
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