Wu Bangguo, Chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said Saturday that he hopes to increase understanding, friendship and trust through his contacts with people from all walks of life in the Philippines, in particular the political leaders, so as to uplift Sino-Fil cooperation to a new phase.

Wu made the remarks while meeting with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Wu commended Arroyo's contribution to the Chinese-Philippine ties. He said, the new Chinese leadership attaches importance to the development of good neighborly and cooperative relations with the Philippines, and hopes the bilateral cooperation can score more results.

Wu was on an official good-will visit to the Philippines. It was his first overseas trip after he took the office of the NPC Standing Committee Chairman.

Wu spoke highly of the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, saying there is still potentials to tap and more cooperative fields to expand. He particularly mentioned the bilateral cooperation in agricultural, infrastructure and resource development, and finance areas. All the cooperation laid the material foundation for the bilateral relations, he added.

Wu reiterated China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue. He stressed that the one-China principle relates with China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the feeling of the Chinese people. He appreciated the support and understanding given by the Philippines on the Taiwan issue.

Arroyo highly voiced the achievements made by the new Chinese government in domestic affairs and diplomatic endeavor. She believed that Wu's visit will push forward the growth of bilateral relations. She also expressed satisfaction with the development of bilateral cooperation, saying the two countries should enhance non-governmental exchanges along with high-level visits.

She told Wu that the Philippines has paid high attention to the role played by China and considered China not only has a rapidly growing economy but also is a responsible power in the international arena.

Arroyo said she anticipated Chinese President Hu Jintao could visit the Philippines at an early date. Wu said he would convey the invitation to Hu.

(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2003)