DFA: Duterte, Xi phone chat tackled events in Korean Peninsula

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte speaks with Peoples Republic of China President Xi Jinping through a phone call in Davao City on May 3, 2017. The Philippine President, among other things, thanked the Government of China for inviting him to tour the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Flagship Destroyer ‘Chang Chun’ which was docked at the Sasa Port in Davao City early this week for a goodwill visit to the Philippines. With President Duterte is Special Assistant to the President Christopher ‘Bong’ Go. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Wednesday that the phone conversation between President Duterte and Chinese president Xi Jinping revolved around regional issues, particularly on developments in the Korean Peninsula.

According to DFA spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar, Mr. Duterte cited China’s role in promoting peace.

Describing the conversation between the two leaders as “very cordial,” Bolivar said that Mr. Duterte and President Xi Jinping exchanged views on regional developments and solutions to some concerns.

“President Duterte shared Philippine positions on several salient issues, especially on developments in the Korean Peninsula, and he referred to China’s important role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula,” the foreign affairs secretary said.

Likewise Mr. Duterte shared the outcomes of the 30th Association Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit.

“He also mentioned that as the Chair of Asean,  Asean discussed and agreed on measures to promote Asean unity, centrality and solidarity as well as Asean commitment to continue promoting peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region,” Bolivar said.