MANILA -- Seeing the importance of their friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership, the Philippines and China reaffirmed their commitments for increased cooperation as the two nations recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telesummit on Friday, underscoring the necessity of an enhanced economic cooperation to accelerate their post-pandemic recovery.

Reiterating the Philippines’ commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in trade and investment and infrastructure development, President Duterte said: “Asia’s dynamic future depends on how hard we all work together, how we respect each other and how we ensure that we as nations are mindful not just of our rights but our responsibilities".

He encouraged increased Chinese investment in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, information and communication technology as well as science and technology.

The Philippine leader likewise recognized China’s support for his administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, noting the recent completion of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge funded by the Chinese government.

The Philippines, he said, looks forward to the early completion of ongoing China-backed infrastructure projects particularly the flood control projects in Mindanao, Pasig Marikina River bridges, Samal Island-Davao City Connector project and Subic-Clark Railway Project.

At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance in the country’s COVID-19 response, as he called for greater collaboration in the public health sector, particularly on vaccine development and production.

Also during the telesummit, President Duterte congratulated his Chinese counterpart for the celebration of the Centennial Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of China. (PND)