President Duterte talks with Chinese President Xi on issues of mutual concern

President Duterte talks with President Xi Jinping on COVID-19 and cooperation

MANILA – Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte had a telephone conversation with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China last Thursday night. In a statement, Secretary Roque said the exchange lasted for 38 minutes.

He added the two leaders discussed both countries’ progress in combatting COVID-19 and their strategies to restart their respective economies. They reiterated their commitment to work together in fighting COVID-19 as part of international efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

President Duterte underscored the need for cooperation in research trials for COVID-19 trials for COVID-19 vaccine development and the need of making the vaccine accessible and affordable to all countries.

Secretary Roque said President Xi assured President Duterte of his country’s commitment to make the vaccine available for all, adding that the Philippines, as a friendly neighbor, “would certainly be a priority.”

Both leaders also took the occasion to review Philippines-China relations highlighting the friendship of the two countries and the significant increase in mutual cooperation in wide range of areas. (Melo M. Acuña)

President Rodrigo Duterte engages Chinese President Xi Jinping in a 38-minute conversation on COVId-19 and cooperation. (Presidential Communications Operations Office photos)