Philippines, China agree to resolve outstanding issues

THE Philippines and China have expressed a mutual desire to resolve the outstanding issues concerning both countries while moving forward with their bilateral relations, Malacanang said Saturday.

In an interview over a government-run radio station, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte read the press release of presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda concerning the recent trip of Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II to China.

Roxas is designated as President Benigno Aquino III's Special Envoy to meet with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in the 9th China-Asean Expo held in Nanning, China.

During the meeting, which took place last Friday, Lacierda's statement said Xi expressed appreciation to Aquino in sending Roxas, which showed the importance of the bilateral relations of the two nations for the Philippines.

"This showed the importance that President Aquino attaches to Philippines-China relations," he said quoting Xi.

Roxas, for his part, expressed confidence that he has faithfully delivered Aquino's message to the Chinese government.

"We had a frank and candid exchange of views and I am satisfied that I was able to faithfully convey President Aquino's message. Vice President Xi promised to bring President Aquino's message to the attention of Chinese President Hu Jintao," Roxas said.

Roxas added that the "discussions were constructive and the talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere."

Lacierda said the meeting focused on the current outstanding issues between the two countries as well as on the other dimensions of their bilateral relationship.

The two nations are locked in a longstanding territorial dispute over areas in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the Scarborough or Panatag shoal.

Joining Roxas in the meeting were Lacierda, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio and Philippine Embassy Beijing Charge d'Affaires Alex Chua. (SDR/Sunnex)