(From P1)

China and the Philippines welcomed the signing of the MoU on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the two governments, and agreed to discuss maritime cooperation including maritime oil and gas exploration, and sustainable use of mineral, energy and other marine resources.

Additionally, both sides exchanged views on issues regarding the South China Sea, noting that the situation has become generally more stable as a result of joint cooperative efforts between China, the Philippines, and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states.

Both sides, together with ASEAN member states, will work for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety.

Both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum of the negotiations on the Single Draft Code of Conduct (COC) Negotiating Text, with a view towards the early adoption of an effective COC, based on consensus.

Meanwhile, China supports the Philippines as the Country Coordinator of the China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations and the coordinator for cooperation between China and Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Xi extended an invitation to Duterte to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation to be held in Beijing in April 2019. Duterte accepted the invitation with pleasure, according to the statement.

Xi’s two-day visit ending yesterday has been the first by a Chinese head of state to the Philippines in 13 years.

(Xinhua)