Locsin says Covid-19 fight ‘enhanced’ China-PH relations

DFA Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. delivers opening statement during Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit in the Philippines on Jan. 16, 2021.  Photo from DFA.

MANILA, Philippines — China and the Philippines’ efforts to curb the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) have further improved the two nations’ friendship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin Jr. said Saturday.

“Our close cooperation to beat COVID-19 has only further enhanced our overall ties and deepened our friendship,” said Locsin in an official statement delivered during the official visit of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the Philippines.

“But three years hence, I take satisfaction in seeing it flourish and mature into a true and equal partnership between two sovereign states, one able to overcome difficulties and transcend differences, all to mutual benefit, yes, but above all, attaining genuine amity and comity,” the Philippines’ top diplomat further said.

Locsin also underscored the role of vaccines that would help address the coronavirus disease pandemic, which has so far infected over 93 million people globally.

“We have reached an important juncture. The fight against COVID-19 and the universal acceptance of the new inescapable normal is entering a turning point, with the beginning of vaccinations,” he said.

Wang Yi arrived in the country on Friday for a bilateral meeting with Locsin to improve cooperation with China, specifically on trade and investments, infrastructure development and addressing the Covid-19 crisis.

CFC