Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday reiterated to visiting Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople the determination and commitment of the Chinese government to strengthen ties between China and the Philippines.  Premier Wen Jiabao also told Secretary Ople that the Chinese government continues to maintain the highest confidence in Philippine growth, progress and stability.

“Premier Wen Jiabao, who is the head of government of China, told me that hesees even greater potential for cooperation between our two countries and thathe is personally committed to enhancing relations between our two countries,”the Secretary said.

During his call on Premier Wen Jiabao, Secretary Ople also briefed the Premieron the latest developments in the Philippines. “Premier Wen was very aware of the developments in the Philippines, particularly in the area of governance and stability.  He emphasized his confidence in our country and its people and inour nation’s growth and stability.  He was very supportive of all our efforts at achieving peace and stability in our country,” Secretary Ople said.

“The strong statement of support of Premier Wen Jiabao for our efforts at achieving peace and stability is a testament to our actions, primarily how we dealt with military misadventure and how we are proceeding with our peace process with Muslim rebels and even with the Maoist Communist rebels,” the Secretary explained.  “I took the opportunity to convey to Premier Wen Jiabao, the deep appreciation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the statement of support issued by the government of China during the 27 July incident,” the Secretary said.  China was among a number of countries which issued statements of support for the Philippines and its leadership immediately after news of the 27 July incident came out. END.