MANILA — China President Xi Jinping promised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to find a solution to the issue of fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos himself confirmed that the issue of Filipino fishermen was discussed in his bilateral meeting with Xi.
“And I was very clear in trying to talk about the plight of our fishermen. And the President (Xi) promised that we would find a compromise and find a solution that will be beneficial, so that our fishermen might be able to fish again in their natural fishing grounds,” Marcos said.
The two leaders also discussed what they can do to avoid any possible mistakes and misunderstandings that could trigger bigger problems.
According to Marcos, his conversation with Xi was fruitful regarding cooperation in agriculture, durian protocol, soft infrastructure, climate change.
“It has been a very wide-ranging discussion… the meeting ran very long, and that’s why I’m actually very optimistic because President Xi seemed to be genuinely interested in all of these issues and finding a way to move forward to again strengthen the relationship between China and the Philippines. I’m quite gratified that we had made a good start,” Marcos stated.
The President returned to the country yesterday.
“I am pleased to report to you and to the Filipino people the key outcomes of the State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from 3rd to 5th of January of this new year, 2023,” Marcos said in his arrival message at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City.
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