PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III personally thanked Wednesday Chinese President Xi Jinping for accepting the Philippine invitation to participate in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Summit.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino and Xi talked for two minutes when the former welcomed all the Apec leaders at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City prior to the leaders' plenary session with members of the Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
"Welcome, President Xi! Thank you for coming to Manila and attending the Apec meeting," Coloma, quoting Aquino, told reporters in a text message.
Xi only decided to attend the Apec Economic Leaders' Meeting days before the summit.
Prior to Xi's visit here, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to Manila and met with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
Wang asked the Philippines not to bring up the South China Sea issue during the Apec meeting.
The Philippines has brought up its territorial row with China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal. China refused to participate in the case. (SDR/Sunnex)