China is willing to make joint efforts with the Philippines to achieve further progress in bilateral friendly cooperation, said Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing Tuesday.  

Li made the remarks when he held talks with visiting Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo, who arrived here Monday to start his three-day official visit to China.

Noting good momentum of development of Sino-Philippine relations in recent years, Li said the politically mutual trust between the two countries has been constantly strengthened and substantial cooperation continuously deepened.

China and the Philippines have achieved positive progress in jointly exploring resources in South China Sea, and maintained sound coordination in international and regional affairs, Li added.

Li appreciated the Philippine government's adherence to the one-China policy, saying that China is willing to join hands with the Philippines in seizing the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties this year to further push forward bilateral ties.

Romulo said the Philippine government attaches great importance to cooperating with China in various fields. The development of bilateral relations is now in the best period, and the Philippines is willing to make concerted efforts with China to push such relationship to a new high, he noted.

Romulo spoke highly of the joint exploration between the two countries in South China Sea, reiterating that the Philippine government will continue to firmly support the one-China policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on Sino-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relations and the East Asia Summit.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2005)