President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the new Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, as well as the five other envoys from other countries, at Malacañan Palace.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilin was the last to present his credentials to Duterte at Palace’s Reception Hall.

Huang replaced former Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, who enjoyed close ties with Duterte but had to leave Manila last month after his tour of duty ended in October this year.

Duterte hopes that Huang would help further improve ties between the Philippines and China.

“Your Excellency, we are proud that China and the Philippines are two great friends,” the President told Huang.

“And I welcome you to your new assignment. May it be productive and I’m ready to accept you,” he added.

For Huang, it was a “great honor” to be appointed as China’s new envoy to the Philippines.

He also promised to do his best to ensure that the “long history of friendship” between the two countries will be maintained.

He also wished Duterte “success and good health.”

Huang’s new assignment came a year before the Philippines and China celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in June 1975.

In a statement posted on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Manila, Huang was optimistic that the relations between the two nations would further improve.

“Truly delighted for the Philippines’ accomplishment. I have every reason to believe and expect that the country will achieve greater strength and prosperity in the coming years and decades,” the new Chinese ambassador was quoted as saying.

“The growth of China-Philippines relations, embodying common wishes of our peoples, has been generating more and more tangible benefits for the people, and brought about a closer China-Philippines community of shared future,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President also received the credentials of Ambassadors to the Philippines Grete Sillasen (Denmark), Shobini Gunasekera (Sri Lanka), Antonis Alexandridis (Greece), U Lwin Oo (Myanmar), and Bartinah Ntombizodwa Radebe-Netshitenzhe (South Africa). (PNA)