It gives me great pleasure to pay a state visit to the beautiful Republic of the Philippines at the kind invitation of President Rodrigo Duterte upon arrival in Manila.
I wish to express on behalf of the Chinese government and people cordial greetings and best wishes to the government and hospitable and friendly people of the Philippines.
As friendly neighbor across the sea, China and the Philippines enjoy geographical proximity and a strong bond that links our peoples and culture for centuries our two countries have stood together through thick and thin and written splendid chapters of of friendly exchanges.
Since President Duterte took office, thanks to the joint efforts of our two sides, we have reopened the door of friendship and cooperation to each other bringing real benefits to out people and making an important contribution to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
Given the profound and complex changes in the world, good-neighborliness and friendship is the only right choice for china and the Philippines, two developing countries and emerging economies in Asia, and our peoples have higher expectations for stronger ties and cooperation across the board between our two sides.
China stand ready to work with the Philippines for even greater progress in our relations.
As I start this visit, I look forward to meeting with President Duterte for an in-depth exchange of view on how to further strengthen China-Philippine relations and on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
I will also meet with house speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Senate President Vicente C Sotto 111 I am convinced that this visit will cement the traditional, friendship deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance the effort of the two sides for common development.
It will surely inject fresh, strong impetus into the good-neighborly relations and friendship between our two countries for the benefit of our peoples.
