BEIJING -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo agreed here on Saturday the two countries should expand cooperation in diverse fields for the benefits of the peoples.
During a meeting with Arroyo, Hu said trade and economic cooperation between China and the Philippines in recent years has maintained rapid development and brought concrete benefits to the two peoples.
"We hope China and the Philippines forge ahead with the existing trade and economic cooperation projects, and explore new fields of cooperation at the same time," Hu said.
He said China is willing to cooperate closely with the Philippines, an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and to seek new results in bilateral strategic cooperation.
During the meeting, Hu thanked Arroyo for her invitation of 100 Chinese children from the quake-battered areas to visit the Philippines for rehabilitation.
Arroyo said the relationship with China is one of the most important bilateral relations for the Philippines, and her country looks forward to deepening and expanding cooperation with China in various fields.
She praised the opening of the Beijing Games as a magnificent and unforgettable event, in which she felt the Chinese people's enthusiasm and saw China's immense and fruitful work in organizing the Games.
