Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Sunday that China is willing to maintain its close cooperation with the Philippines to further develop strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Hu made the remarks during his meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on the sidelines of the 15th Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Sydney. Both China and the Philippines are APEC members.
In recent years, China and the Philippines have maintained frequent high-level visits, with an increase in mutual political trust and the achievement of significant progress in mutually-beneficial cooperation in various areas, said the Chinese president.
"To deepen bilateral strategic cooperation conforms to the common interests of both countries and peoples, and is conducive to regional peace, stability and prosperity," he said.
Arroyo said the Philippine government and the Philippine people treasure the feelings of friendship with the Chinese government and the Chinese people. China's help has played an important role in her country's priority development areas, Arroyo added.
On economic and trade cooperation, Hu said he hoped the two sides, based on the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, to further promote their mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields.
Arroyo said the Philippine side hoped to link its development with China's economic development, particularly with the development of China's western part.
On the joint development of the South China Sea, Hu said, China and the Philippines are important forces in promoting peace, stability, and common development of the South China Sea.
The joint development of the South China Sea has made progress, Hu said. He hoped the concerned parties would continue to cooperate in the next phase, and enhance the cooperation to make substantial progress at an early date.
Arroyo said the achievements made in the joint development of the South China Sea are "encouraging," and the Philippines is ready to continue to push forward the process.
The Chinese president arrived in Sydney from Canberra Wednesday to attend the annual APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. He has also paid a state visit to Australia.
Source: Xinhua
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