Dick credits Arroyo for China ban lifting

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon lauded yesterday the efforts of President Arroyo in securing the lifting of the travel advisory against the Philippines imposed by the Chinese government on its nationals.

This latest success, he said, was due in part to the "great trust and respect" between President Arroyo and President Jiang Zemin of the People’s Republic of China.

He added that Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui’s "openness to and cooperation with our trade and tourism efforts have made him a great friend of the Philippines."

The Chinese government issued the travel advisory on Aug. 21 last year following a spate of kidnappings in the country.

"The administration’s strong emphasis on efforts to improve the peace and order situation has been instrumental in the lifting of the travel ban," Gordon said.