Locsin, Chinese FM to hold bilateral talks in Davao » Manila Bulletin News

 

 

By Roy Mabasa

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., will witness the signing of bilateral agreements between Manila and Beijing in the areas of infrastructure, law enforcement, and humanitarian assistance when they meet in Davao City on Monday.

This is the second time that Wang and Locsin will hold face-to-face talks (not first, as earlier reported) since the latter was appointed as DFA secretary two weeks ago. Locsin replaced Alan Peter Cayetano who is seeking a congressional seat in next year’s election.

Their first meeting was at the sidelines of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Brussels last week.

Wang, who is set to arrive today (Sunday), will also meet with the country’s economic managers to discuss possible cooperation in the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” flagship projects.

In a press handout, Locsin recalled the graciousness of Wang when he received him and then Foreign Affairs Secretary Cayetano at the United Nations Security Council Room during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York last year.

He also conveyed his thanks to Wang for congratulating him following his appointment as the country’s top diplomat.

Originally scheduled in September, Wang’s visit was deferred due to the devastation caused by Typhoon Ompong (international name “Mangkhut”).

Wang’s brief visit may also serve as preparatory to the proposed visit of Chinese President Xi Jin Ping to Manila which could occur right after the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Papua New Guinea next month.

“The plan is that he will come to the Philippines for a state visit but the specific date and month have not been finalized yet so we’re in close coordination with the Filipino side to prepare for the, most likely, state visit,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua told reporters in a recent interview.

President Rodrigo Duterte invited Xi to visit the Philippines when they first met in October 2016.

Last month, former Secretary Cayetano said the two sides are eyeing the month of November for the Chinese leader’s trip to Manila after a mutually accepted draft agreement on the joint exploration in the South China Sea is signed.

The DFA did not mention in its press handout if the joint exploration in the South China Sea will be on the table during the meeting between Wang and Locsin tomorrow.