PH, China sign 6 deals in Duterte’s 5th Beijing visit

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping discuss matters during the bilateral meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on August 29, 2019. ROBINSON NINAL/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

BEIJING – President Rodrigo R. Duterte bagged six deals with China during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping here Thursday evening.

The documents signed between the Philippines and China include two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) – one on Higher Education Cooperation between the Commission on Higher Education and Ministry of Education of China, and on Science and Technology Cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Bureau of Customs also forged two agreements, including the Implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters with China’s General Administration of Customs and the Implementation Contract on Project of China-Aid Container Inspection Equipment with the Ministry of Commerce.

The Department of Finance signed the agreement on Exchange of Notes on Cooperation Procedure for the Availment and Utilization of Concessional Loan under a Renminbi-denominated Loan Facility with China International Development Cooperation Agency, and with the Export-Import Bank of China for the Preferential Buyer’s Credit Loan Agreement of Project Management Consultancy of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project.

In his opening remarks, Duterte said the meeting with Xi reaffirmed the value of their relationship – both personal and official – built on trust, respect, and pursuit of mutual benefit for the two nations.

“Today, we can add fresh impetus — indeed a stronger momentum — to work together.

That is, to determine steps needed along a common road that lead to the goal of a strong and special relationship that is mutually respectful, collectively beneficial and decidedly reciprocal,” Duterte said.

He added that there have been challenges to the ties between the Philippines and China, but the two parties pursue their commitments through comprehensive strategic cooperation.

“With channels for dialogue fully opened, agreements signed and projects underway, there is a clear path of partnership and convergence,” he said.