Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to the Philippines starts

China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday began his two-day official visit to the Philippines.

Wang and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. were scheduled to have a bilateral meeting, GMA News reporter JP Soriano said on Twitter.

LOOK: China’s State Councilor & Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Philippine’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Secretary Locsin and his Chinese counterpart are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting during Wang’s official visit in the Philippines. @gmanews @gmapinoytv pic.twitter.com/Mre63j9Q3B

— JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) January 16, 2021

The Chinese foreign minister first signed the guest book before he was led by Locsin to another room where they gave their statements.

SFA @teddyboylocsin looks on as Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister signs the guest book. This is SCFM Wang Yi’s 3rdtime in the Philippines. #DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/IloprIZ7Bc

— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) January 16, 2021

Locsin in his statement noted the 45 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He also said China is the country's top trading partner for the past four years.  

Wang meanwhile delivered his statement in Mandarin.

The two officials will be at the signing of the agreement between the two countries on economic and technical cooperation, as well as the ceremonial launch of the RMB Clearing Facility of the Bank of China Manila Branch on Saturday afternoon.

Wang will also meet with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang on Saturday to discuss key bilateral issues, including possible COVID-19 vaccine cooperation with the Philippines. —KG, GMA News