19 January 2017 – Philippine Consul General to New York Theresa Dizon-De Vega met with her Chinese counterpart Consul General Zhang Qiyue on January 17.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Consul General Dizon-De Vega to introduce herself to Consul General Zhang early on in her tenure as Consul General.
The meeting is also an effort of the Philippine Consulate General to establish closer linkages with other Consulates General such as those of ASEAN member states and ASEAN Dialogue Partners.
During the meeting, the Consuls General exchanged views on the state of Philippines-China bilateral relations and the recent State Visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to China.
Consul General Dizon-De Vega informed Consul General Zhang about the successful launch of the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship on January 15 in Davao City led by President Duterte.
They discussed the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship priorities, the preparations for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN, as well as the various meetings to be attended by ASEAN and Dialogue Partner Leaders in the Philippines.
The Consuls General expressed the hope that a framework for the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea will be concluded during the Philippines’ Chairmanship year. They likewise exchanged views on matters of common interest and initiatives in areas under their respective jurisdictions.
Consul General Zhang previously served as China’s Ambassador to Belgium and Indonesia and as Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. END