Xi, Duterte bond over basketball
Xi told Muratore that great achievements have been made in sports in the nation since the People's Republic of China was founded 70 years ago.
Saying sound development of sports represents both part of a nation's strength and also a part of the healthy and happy lives of the people, Xi added that China is striving to build itself into a global sports power.
The nation stands ready to continue to develop cooperation with FIBA so as to popularize and improve the development level of basketball in China, Xi said.
Muratore thanked Xi for China's long-term support for FIBA and appreciated it for its outstanding preparations for the hosting of the event.
FIBA considers cooperation with China as highly important, Muratore said, and it is willing to make contributions to promoting basketball activities in China.
Also on Friday, Premier Li Keqiang met with Duterte at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
