President Hu Jintao
exchanged congratulations on Thursday with his Philippine
counterpart, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on the 30th anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations.
"China and the Philippines are close neighbors
facing each other across the sea and the friendship between our two
peoples dates back to over one thousand years," Hu said, adding
that the friendship has become a shared treasure of the two
peoples.?
"These many years of great efforts and
achievements, breakthroughs and milestones have shaped the
Philippines-China relationship into one that is vibrant,
encompassing and beneficial to both countries and the region," said
Arroyo.
Hu said bilateral relations have scored remarkable
progress, brought tangible benefits to both countries and peoples
and made positive contributions to peace, stability and prosperity
in the region.
He recalled his visit to Manila in April, during
which both sides agreed to establish the China-Philippines
strategic and cooperative relationship for peace and
development.
"Following this direction, I would like to work
with you to vigorously promote our strategic cooperation in all
areas and build an even brighter future for our bilateral
relations," Hu told Arroyo.
Arroyo said in her message that the past 30 years
have seen the journey of two neighbors and longstanding friends
towards new and closer levels of cooperation, mutual understanding
and goodwill.
The two countries are at their golden age of
partnership, she said, adding she has no doubt that the targets set
by the two leaders will be realized.
(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2005)