On 7 February 2017, H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), met in Manila with Mr. Enrique A. Manalo, Undersecretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines (DOFA), and exchanged views on strengthening ASEAN-China and Philippines-China cooperation in various fields. Mr. Porfirio M. Mayo, Director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs of DOFA, Mr. Yu Jun, Director of the Political Section of the Embassy of China in the Philippines, and Mr. Zhang Xuehai, Deputy Director of the Information and Public Relations Division of ACC, attended the meeting.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping thanked the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines for its long time support to ACC, and congratulated the Philippines on assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017. She said that the Philippines and China are traditional friendly neighbours. The successful meetings between the two presidents have boosted the development of the bilateral relations. ASEAN-China relations have become the most dynamic and productive relations that ASEAN has with its dialogue partners. In 2016, which marks the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations and the Year of Educational Exchange, both sides held a series of activities, injecting greater vigour into the development of ASEAN-China relations. The year of 2017 is the 50th anniversary of ASEAN and the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. It is firmly believed that, with the joint efforts of all parties, the relationship between ASEAN and China will be further advanced to new heights.
Secretary-General Yang briefed on ACC's efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, education, tourism as well as media and information between ASEAN and China. She said that ACC would continue to actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides, keep close contact with the governments and people from all walks of life to promote cooperation in relevant areas and better benefit the people.
Undersecretary Manalo extended a warm welcome to Secretary-General Yang and commended ACC’s work to enhance ASEAN-China and Philippines-China exchanges and cooperation. He said that 2017 is an important year for the Philippines and the Philippines will spare no efforts to play its role as the chair of ASEAN. Working together with China and other dialogue partners of ASEAN, the Philippines will organize activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN as well as the 20th anniversary of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation, with a view to laying a more solid foundation for regional cooperation and friendship between the people. The Philippines is ready to participate in activities to be organized by ACC and would join hands with ACC to implement relevant cooperation projects including those within the framework of the ASEAN-China Year of Tourism Cooperation. He also wishes ACC greater success in the future.