In the morning of March 11, 2009, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China, H.E. Liu Jianchao presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. President Arroyo in the Malacañang Palace. He was accompanied by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary H.E. Alberto Romulo, Malacañang Protocol chief Jerril Santos and senior diplomats of the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines.
After the presentation of Letter of Credence, President Arroyo held a meeting with Ambassador Liu. Ambassador Liu conveyed to H.E. President Arroyo cordial greetings from President Hu Jintao. He said, the development of China-Philippine friendly cooperative relationship has strategic significance. China appreciates that President Arroyo attaches great importance to the China-Philippine relationship, and has made important contributions to the development of China-Philippine strategic cooperative relationship. The Philippines is an important neighbor to China. China attaches great importance to China-Philippine relationship. It is in the interests of both peoples to comprehensively strengthen China-Philippine friendly cooperation. In light of the current global financial crisis, China would like to work with the Philippines, the ASEAN and the international community to overcome the challenges. As newly-appointed Ambassador to the Philippines, he pledged full commitment to the development of China-Philippine relationship and the friendship between the two peoples.
President Arroyo warmly welcomed the assumption of office by Ambassador Liu and asked him to relay her best regards to President Hu Jintao, and wished Ambassador Liu a happy work and stay in the Philippines. She said, China is a reliable neighbor to the Philippines; China's fast development has presented the Philippines with opportunities. In recent years, the exports from the Philippines to China have been robust. As both countries are faced with the global financial crisis, it is hoped that the two countries may deepen cooperation in all areas such as trade, agriculture and infrastructure, and join hands in addressing challenges.
Prior to the presentation of his Letter of Credence, Ambassador Liu reviewed the guards of honor at the Malacañang Palace lawn. After meeting with H.E. President Arroyo, Ambassador Liu proceeded to the Rizal Park and laid a wreath on the Monument of the Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
