Beijing, April 3 (AseanAll)  — On April 3, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met in Beijing with Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former President of the Philippines and Senior Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives，according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

Photo source：Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Wang Yi said China attaches great importance to its relations with the Philippines as the two countries enjoy a long history of exchanges. In January of this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with visiting Philippine President Marcos in China.  The two sides should follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and properly handle differences through communication and dialogue. We should not allow maritime issues to impede the overall development of bilateral relations or allow a third party to undermine China-Philippines friendly relations. Still less should we allow the Cold War mentality to return and harm regional peace and stability.

China's top diplomat said that Mrs. Arroyo, as a good friend and old friend of the Chinese people, has made active efforts for the cause of bilateral friendship and done a lot of work. I hope you will continue to play a constructive role in the sound development of China-Philippines relations.

Arroyo said that her visit witnessed China's rapid development and progress. Chinese modernization fills us with high expectations. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the right path for the world. 

Photo source：Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

Before the meeting, Wang Yi took a group photo and exchanged views with the Filipino youth accompanying Arroyo, encouraging the young people of the two countries to carry on the friendship tradition, enhance mutual understanding and pass on the friendship between China and the Philippines from generation to generation.