DFA to maintain close ties with new Chinese envoy: Locsin

FILE: Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese Ambassador-designate Huang Xilian (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy via pnagovph/Twitter)

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. has vowed to maintain closer coordination with Chinese Ambassador-designate Huang Xilian, who just arrived in the Philippines, to further strengthen Beijing and Manila’s ties.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila reported that Huang and Locsin, during the meeting, discussed the overall status of the Philippines-China relations “that continued to develop in-depth” under the current administration.

Huang paid a courtesy call on Locsin Tuesday.

“The Secretary reaffirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs and himself would maintain close cooperation with Ambassador Huang and the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to consolidate the Philippines-China friendship and enhance mutual beneficial cooperation,” the Embassy said.

Huang, who presented a copy of his Letter of Credence to Locsin, said he is privileged to serve as the Chinese Ambassador to Manila at such an “important historical juncture” and assured to exert effort in further promoting the Philippines-China ties.

“He pointed out that in recent years, the Philippines-China relationship has developed at a steady pace and the two countries have continuously advanced their cooperation in various areas, which has brought benefits to two peoples,” the Embassy statement read.

Huang arrived in Manila on December 3 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was received by protocol officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, officials from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, and representatives from Chinese communities in the Philippines.