Premier Wen Jiabao ended official visit to the Philippines Tuesday and left Manila for Beijing.

 

Philippine Vice President Noli de Castro bid farewell to Wen at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

 

During his visit, Wen held talks with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and met with Senate President Manny Villar and House Speaker Jose de Venecia.

 

A joint statement was issued by the governments of the two countries Tuesday.

 

The two countries said that they are committed to mutual understanding and mutual support with respect to major issues bearing on state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 

The joint statement said that the Philippines reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China policy and support for the Chinese government's efforts for national reunification.

 

"The Philippines supports and appreciates China's efforts to resolve the Taiwan issue peacefully," said the joint statement.

 

Before making the visit in Manila, Wen attended the 10th ASEAN-China Summit and the 2nd East Asia Summit in Cebu, central Philippines. He also chaired a trilateral meeting with leaders of Japan and the Republic of Korea in Cebu.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2007)