MANILA, Philippines — Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi would come to the Philippines next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday.
Upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, China's top envoy will undertake an official visit to the country from September 16 to 18.
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"The visit is aimed at further building on the increasingly strong foundation of friendship between the Philippines and China," the DFA said in a statement.
Wang's trip to Manila comes a month after Philippine economic managers visited Beijing.
The Philippines and China are expected to discuss infrastructure projects, as well as oil and gas cooperation, with a view of coming up with a framework on the possible joint exploration in the West Philippine Sea.
The framework is expected to conform to domestic rules and regulations and international laws, as both sides have been stating in the past.
"With continued dialogue and consultation anchored on mutual trust and respect, and the resolute pursuit of mutually beneficial practical cooperation, Philippines and China will continue to work together in managing differences and addressing issues pertaining to the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea," the statement read.
Last year, Wang also visited the Philippines upon the invitation of Cayetano. During his visit in July 2017, Wang and Cayetano signed a memorandum of understanding on strengthening cooperation.
The Chinese state councilor also came to Manila in August 2017 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Ministerial Meetings.