Philippine Defense Secretary Lorenzana meets Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe
MANILA – Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana met visiting Chinese Minister of National Defense General Wei Fenghe at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In a statement released by the Department of National Defense, it was learned the two top-ranking officials discussed “a wide range of issues affected the defense relations of both countries.”
“today marks the most recent visit of China’s Minister of National Defense to the Philippines following similar visits in 2002, 2007, 2011 and 2017,” Secretary Lorenzana said.
Both leaders exchanged best practices in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also agreed to continue working on revisiting the 2004 Philippines- China Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation that will be more responsive to current conditions.
They also discussed issues about the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Secretary Lorezana expressed optimism that his meeting with General Wei will fost collaboration between both countries’ defense establishments, and advance mutual trust and interests for future exchanges on security matters and mutual concern.
After the bilateral meeting, Secretary Lorenzana and Minister Wei signed the Implementing Guidelines for the implementation of a 130 million Renminbi grant that China is giving to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the form of equipment, especially for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
Both expressed their desire to continue this form of dialogue in the future.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila still has to issue its statement on General Wei’s meetings with Secretary Lorenzana this morning and President Rodrigo Duterte scheduled later in the day. (Melo M. Acuña)
Photos taken during the visit of General Wei Fenghe, Chinese Defense Minister to the Department of National Defense where he met with Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana where they discussed a wide range of issues affecting both countries. (Department of National Defense photos)
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