Wu
Bangguo, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC)
Standing Committee, said?Saturday that he hopes to increase
understanding, friendship and trust through his contacts with
people from all walks of life in the Philippines, in particular the
political leaders, so as to uplift Sino-Fil cooperation to a new
phase.
Wu made the remarks while meeting with Philippine President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Wu commended Arroyo's contribution to the Chinese-Philippine
ties. He said, the new Chinese leadership attaches importance to
the development of good neighborly and cooperative relations with
the Philippines, and hopes the bilateral cooperation can score more
results.
Wu was on an official good-will visit to the Philippines. It was
his first overseas trip after he took the office of the NPC
Standing Committee Chairman.
Wu spoke highly of the economic and trade cooperation between
the two countries, saying there is still potentials to tap and more
cooperative fields to expand. He particularly mentioned the
bilateral cooperation in agricultural, infrastructure and resource
development, and finance areas. All the cooperation laid the
material foundation for the bilateral relations, he added.
Wu reiterated China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue. He
stressed that the one-China principle relates with China's
sovereignty and territorial integrity and the feeling of the
Chinese people. He appreciated the support and understanding given
by the Philippines on the Taiwan issue.
Arroyo highly voiced the achievements made by the new Chinese
government in domestic affairs and diplomatic endeavor. She
believed that Wu's visit will push forward the growth of bilateral
relations. She also expressed satisfaction with the development of
bilateral cooperation, saying the two countries should enhance
non-governmental exchanges along with high-level visits.
She told Wu that the Philippines has paid high attention to the
role played by China and considered China not only has a rapidly
growing economy but also is a responsible power in the
international arena.
Arroyo said she anticipated Chinese President Hu Jintao could
visit the Philippines at an early date. Wu said he would convey the
invitation to Hu.
(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2003)