Wang Yi and Former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo jointly attend the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations and the launching ceremony of the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding

On January 16, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo jointly attended the inauguration of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations and the launching ceremony of the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding via video link.

Wang Yi said that Ms. Arroyo is an old and good friend of the Chinese people. China appreciated her active efforts to promote the friendship between China and the Philippines and to enhance people-to-people exchanges of the two countries for decades. In recent years, under the guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Philippines relations have witnessed a turnaround and realized comprehensive development, which is conducive to regional prosperity and stability, and is in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the peoples of both countries. Amity between people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. As neighbors facing each other across the sea, China and the Philippines boast geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long history of friendly people-to-people exchanges. We need to pass down and carry forward the friendship between the two peoples.

Wang Yi said the Chinese side is ready to continue supporting and helping the Philippines by providing vaccines to the country as required, and join hands with the Philippines to tide over the difficulties till the fight against the pandemic is won. The Chinese side will fully support the holding of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations and the setting up of the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding, encouraging more people to join the endeavor of promoting the China-Philippines friendship.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that the visit to the Philippines by the Chinese delegation shows China's confidence in the Philippines and the administration under President Rodrigo Duterte. The establishment of the Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations will help the two countries strengthen mutual understanding, boost mutual trust and overcome differences. The Philippine people have high expectations for the Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding, which is expected to further promote the friendship between the two peoples. She hopes that the two sides will work to constantly develop bilateral friendly cooperation, accelerate post-pandemic economic recovery, and continuously inject new vitality into the Philippines-China friendship.

The Manila Forum for China-Philippines Relations was co-founded by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding, aiming to build a new platform of dialogues and communication to "enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation and resolve differences".

The Award for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding was jointly set up by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding, with the purpose of awarding and encouraging the Philippine groups and individuals that are committed to the China-Philippines friendship and make outstanding contribution to enhancing mutual understanding between China and the Philippines and promoting the China-Philippines relations.