12 August 2004 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Domingo-Albert this early mentioned of next year’s commemoration of 30 years of RP-China Relations during this morning’s regular breakfast forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at the Ristorante La Dolce Fontana in Greenhills.  There, Secretary Albert delivered a policy speech entitled “Structure, Content, Form and Substance and the Three Pillars of Philippine Foreign Policy” to attending MOPC members, local and foreign Media practitioners, Ambassadors and other representatives of the Diplomatic Corps.

Secretary Albert highlighted this to give context to the Philippines’ ever flourishing relations with China.  “I would like perhaps to add that next year, we have scheduled quite a number of activities to celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines.  We are looking forward to more detailed programs, which  our embassy there and their embassy here are
working on to celebrate this occasion.  This year is China-Malaysia year celebrating 30 years of their relationship.  So these landmarks in our bilateral relations are used to move our foreign policy forward vis-à-vis our partners,” the Secretary bared.

Responding to queries from the media as to how the state of RP-China relations would be characterized, Secretary Albert replied that both countries have “excellent relations.”  The Foreign Secretary also mentioned of the expanding cooperation between the Philippines and China, which is anchored on various fields.  “I think you can see that (excellent RP-China relations is) manifested in terms of our cooperation in science and technology, cooperation in agriculture…the PNOC (Philippine National Oil Company) is also interested in getting into cooperation activities,” the Secretary elaborated.

Going beyond RP-China bilateral relations, Secretary Albert also highlighted avenues for ASEAN-China cooperation.  “As you know former President Ramos is on the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum which really is an initiative that engages former leaders in the region to meet in Boao, Hainan for furthering the relationship between the leaders of the region and China.  So it augurs very well for the future, not just for Philippines-China relations but ASEAN-China relations as well,” Secretary Albert said.

Secretary Albert also informed those present that preparations are underway for the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit to China in September.

Finally, in response to a question, the Secretary also clarified that the visit  of President Arroyo to China is not a consequence of the alleged “souring” of relations between the Philippines and the United States as propounded by one media practitioner present.  “Preparations for the visit to China have been in progress for sometime now.  It is important to see how these moves are being undertaken in the context of a wider and bigger picture.  The meetings of the President…have been planned way, way, way before the hostage taking.  So it happens then, and perhaps it’s again a caution I'd like to always say, that it is important to confirm information with those who are really informed and are reliable sources,” the Secretary said. END.