Philippines, China hold foreign ministry consultations

At the 22nd Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) in Manila (Photo: www.dfa.gov.ph)

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy of the Philippines Enrique Manalo and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui co-chaired the 22nd Philippines-China Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) in Manila on July 23.

This year’s FMC is the first of its kind since the two nations set up the relationship of comprehensive strategic cooperation in 2018.

At the event, the two sides affirmed the implementation of high-level common perceptions, strengthen political trust and promote to lift the bilateral relations to a new high.

China showed its support for the Philippines to fulfil the role as a country coordinator for the relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, while the Philippines put forward cooperation initiatives.

Both sides vowed to enhance exchange and coordination to promote regional cooperation in East Asia.

They also discussed the East Sea issue and consented to continue common perceptions reached by the two countries’ senior leaders.

The two countries will continue working with other ASEAN members to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and sustain the steady progress of the negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), along with maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.

VNA