10 November 2015 – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Manila for a one-day Working Visit upon the invitation of Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario.

Secretary del Rosario and Foreign Minister Wang extensively discussed preparations for the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Manila. Foreign Minister Wang expressed China’s support for the Philippines in hosting APEC this year and said China will work with the Philippines for the success of this important event. Secretary del Rosario said the Philippines looks forward to welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping to Manila for APEC.

Secretary del Rosario expressed hope Foreign Minister Wang’s visit is an opportunity for both sides to revisit the agreement between President Benigno S. Aquino III and then Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011 that contentious issues can be segregated from the rest of the bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Wang expressed his view that both sides can take steps to contribute to the improvement of bilateral relations and said China values its relationship with the Philippines.

Secretary del Rosario noted the positive developments in bilateral relations including the signing of the Executive Program for 2015-2018 of the Philippines-China Cultural Agreement, the Workshop on “Developing Dialogues for Local Governance Towards Sustainable and Liveable Communities” on 13-14 November 2015 for local executives of both countries, and Foreign Minister Wang’s Working Visit to Manila today.

Following their meeting, Foreign Minister Wang also met with Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. and paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. END