DFA Delegation’s Familiarization Visit to China

The delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs calls on Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asian Department Director of Southeast Asian Affairs Mr. Sun Yi (center). (DFA photo)

GUANGZHOU 18 October 2019 — A twenty-one member delegation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) visited China from 23 September to 01 October 2019, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the People’s Republic of China.

The visit is one of the activities aimed to enhance exchanges between Filipino and Chinese diplomats, under the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation signed between then the two foreign ministries on 25 July 2017.

With the theme “Historical and Cultural Preservation amidst Technological Advancement”, the visit kicked off with a visit to the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and a courtesy call on Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, who provided the delegation a briefing on enhancing the Philippines-China bilateral relations focusing on major political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The DFA delegation, led by Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Special Assistant Oliver C. Delfin, also called on Chinese Foreign Ministry Southeast Asian Affairs Director Sun Yi, and discussed ways to enhance exchanges and dialogue between the two foreign ministries further, and thereby contribute to stronger overall bilateral ties.

On a separate visit to the ASEAN-China Center (ACC) in Beijing, the DFA officials were briefed by General Affairs for Coordination Division Director Wang Hongliu, who highlighted the progress and rich outcomes of ASEAN-China cooperation in recent years, as well as on the history, mandate, and priorities of the ACC.

Featuring major Chinese scientific and technological developments, the delegation also visited innovation sites in Beijing and Shenzhen, such as Zhongguancun National Innovation Demonstration Zone, National China Space Administration, and the headquarters of Xiaomi, UBTECH, and Huawei.

The delegation was also introduced to China’s rich cultural and natural history by visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China and the Guilin portion of the South China Karst.

In Guilin, Foreign Affairs Office Deputy Director Wang Xiaoxia welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the history and current socio-economic condition of the city.

The group was also treated to performances of the rich oral traditions of China’s Zhuang, Miao, Dong and Yao minorities, entitled “Impression Sanjie Liu”, at the world’s largest natural theater in Yangshuo.

The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou concluded the visit with a briefing on its functions and services to Filipinos in the region.

“This visit aims to increase the knowledge of Filipino diplomats on China and learn from the various aspects of China’s growth while being able to preserve its tangible and intangible legacies,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre said. END

The delegation from the DFA pays a courtesy call on Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Beijing, China. (DFA photo)

The delegation from the DFA meets with ASEAN-China Centre Director of General Affairs for Coordination Division Wang Hongliu. (DFA photo by Nilo Palaya)

Guilin Foreign Affairs Office Director Wang Xiaoxia welcomes the delegation from DFA. (DFA photo by Nilo Palaya)