APD | On his 74th birthday, President Duterte welcomes Chinese Minister Song Tao

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Mar. 28 (APD) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte welcomed Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Central Committee Song Tao along with other Chinese delegates during their courtesy call at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City.

In a statement from the Presidential Communications Operations Office, President Duterte said he is very happy with the delegation’s visit.

“I would like to welcome you warmly, and I’d like to tell you that we are very happy with your visit,” President Duterte told Minister Song Tao.

The visiting Chinese dignitary and the President talked about issues to further strengthen the existing relations between the two countries.  They also talked about matters of mutual interest, especially on the subject of the South China Sea also known as West Philippine Sea.

President Duterte said the government does not have a hand in the case filed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and former Foreign Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court.

He underscored the administration had no participation in such activity.  The Philippines, being a democratic country, he said “cannot stop people from just filing cases.” 

President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government for the “vibrant trade relationship” between China and the Philippines.  He also underscored the support of the Chinese government to the “Build, Build, Build” program, to further improve the country’s infrastructure.

Chinese Minister Song Tao said China is willing to help the Philippines should it need assistance to improve the people’s lives.

He added they are looking forward to welcome President Duterte to China for his visit next month.

Minister Song Tao was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua and other officials of the IDCPC as well as the Office of the Consulate General in Davao Consul General Li Lin.

With President Duterte who is celebrating his 74th birthday today in Davao City were Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Ernesto Abella, DFA-Mindanao Assistant Secretary Norman Garibay and several others. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)