China calls for closer trade links with Philippines
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-09-03 14:09

Wen made the remarks during a meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is in Beijing for a three-day state visit to China.

Wen expressed satisfaction on the fruitful trade and economic cooperation between China and the Philippines in recent years. He said the volume of bilateral trade is growing rapidly at present, with cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure development and other areas continuously expanding.

Bilateral trade hit US$9.4 billion in 2003, surging 78.7 percent over the previous year.

Arroyo expressed appreciation on China's active efforts to push forward bilateral trade and economic cooperation. She said Philippine-China cooperation in agriculture has already achieved rich returns. The Philippines is ready to join hands with China to further promote the development of bilateral cooperation in all fields.

On the relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Wen said in order to further deepen China-ASEAN relations, China will actively cooperate with ASEAN to push forward the strategic partnership between the two sides.

He said the two sides should accelerate negotiations on China-ASEAN free trade. He said China will continue to participate in the development of the eastern ASEAN growth zone and carry out follow-up activities.

On bilateral relations, Wen said the two countries have maintain a good momentum in their relations. He emphasizes that the Chinese government places importance on the bilateral relations and is ready to join efforts with the Philippines to deepen political mutual trust and bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Wen said China and the Philippines should always be good neighbors and good partners.

Arroyo said the two countries will mark the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations this year. She said since the establishment of diplomatic links, bilateral relations have been growing smoothly.

During her visit, Arroyo spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao and attended the signing ceremony of several documents on the cooperation between the two countries.

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