Xiamen, Philippines boost friendship, cooperation
Zhuang Rongliang, vice-mayor of Xiamen, met with Jesus Domingo, vice-minister of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, on July 20, when they held talks on boosting commerce and trade cooperation, cultural and educational exchanges, and in other areas.
Zhuang gave a briefing on his city's achievements since the reform and opening-up policy was launched in China.
He added that Xiamen already had deep ties with the Philippines. In 1984, it became a sister city of Cebu and the Philippines established a consulate in Xiamen in 1995.
Currently, Xiamen is striving to become a node city in promoting the new pattern of development – in which China attaches great importance to domestic and international development.
Additionally, it is said to be aiming at promoting its top-quality economic development and is striving to take the lead in achieving socialist modernization.
It is widely hoped that the two countries will further expand the breadth and depth of their exchanges and cooperation through the visit, as well as seize the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS for mutual cooperation and development.
Jesus Domingo said that this was his first visit to Xiamen and he was impressed by the city's achievements, particularly in the digital economy and green development. He hoped to engage in more practical cooperation with Xiamen in the future in terms of its economy, society, culture and other fields.
