Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian expressed hopes that President Duterte will continue to support the two nations' friendship beyond his term.
During his recent visit to the President, Huang thanked Duterte for his "great contributions" to China and Philippines relations, which were dramatically strengthened under his term.
Huang also conveyed hopes that Duterte would continue the "friendship" he was able to forge during his time as president.
"I wish him every success and expect his continuous support to China-Philippines friendship," the Chinese ambassador said in a statement on Friday, May 27.
Huang was among the other ambassadors that met with President Duterte on May 25.
"I extended my gratitude to President Duterte for his great contributions to the development of China-Philippines relationship in the past six years," Huang said.
"I also showed my sincere respect to him for adhering to an independent foreign policy," the Chinese ambassador added.
Under Duterte's term, the Philippines and China have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship, have deepened the ties between the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the plan of "Build, Build, Build," and jointly promoted cooperation in significant programs such as infrastructure construction, with bilateral trade volume doubled during the period.
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