Duterte urges health cooperation with China during Wang Yi visit

During Foreign Minister Wang Yi's courtesy call at Malacañang on Saturday, President Rodrigo Duterte called for the strengthening of public health cooperation between the Philippines and China amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Duterte pointed out that cooperation on the pandemic not only safeguarded the health of people but also hastened "the economic recovery of both countries and the larger region.”

“The recovery of nations… sits on the back of stronger economies. China plays a very key role in reviving our region’s economy. Let us do all we can to revive economic activities between the Philippines and China,” said the President.

Duterte also expressed appreciation for China’s support and cooperation in the country's fight against COVID-19.

Earlier, Wang announced that China planned to donate 500,000 doses of vaccines

Wang did not mention the manufacturer of the vaccine nor a timetable for its arrival in the Philippines.

The foreign minister also said the donation was “in keeping with [President Xi Jinping's] commitment to President Duterte.”

Wang also added that China would continue to support the Philippines’ recovery through enhanced economic cooperation.

On Thursday, the Department of Public Works and Highways awarded a P19.32-billion contract to China Road and Bridge Corporation to design and build the four-kilometer Samal Island to Davao City Connector project.  — DVM, GMA News