Minister Wang Yi vows support for the Philippines via vaccine cooperation
MANILA – State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, “we have stood shoulder to shoulder on the way to rise up to the challenges.”
In his remarks before the bilateral meeting Saturday afternoon, Minister Wang said China-Philippines relations “have withstood the test of the pandemic and learning this process our friendship has been further deepened.” He said the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duterte played an important role in the close diplomatic relations.
Minister Wang described 2020 as “an extraordinary year for all countries” because “once in every century changes and the pandemic together impacted our world and the world has entered a period of uncertainty and change.”
He said it is imperative for both countries to plan interactions and cooperation for the whole year and “shelve differences and build common ground, work closely with each other to firmly move forward along the course, jointly charted by our two presidents, and create more fruitful outcomes for our comprehensive, strategic and cooperative relationship.”
Minister Wang acknowledged Secretary Locsin’s statement that COVID response and economic recovery will be important priorities for both countries.
“So, we would like to suggest is that, our two countries have work together, focusing on COVID response and mutually beneficial cooperation and at sustained and new momentum to our relationship,” he said.
Minister Wang said during their meeting he will share “China’s stocks and announcements of China’s decision regarding vaccine cooperation.”
“Let me emphasize that in the process of the Philippine people’s response to COVID-19, China as a friend of the Philippines and your closest neighbor, we will firmly stand with the people of the Philippines until the defeat of this virus,” he concluded. (Melo M. Acuña)
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign MInister Wang Yi assures the Philippines of needed assistance by way of vaccine cooperation (FOCAP Pool photos); Minister Wang signs the DFA Guestbook, meets Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Secretary Locsin delivers his remarks. (DFA Photos)
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