President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed his intent to further elevate the Philippines’ partnership with China in the areas of tourism, agriculture, trade and investment, and infrastructure.

This, was as he joined the two nations in celebrating the 48th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations and the 22nd Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.

“With hundreds of years of interactions between our peoples serving as a solid foundation for our flourishing ties, I am honored to witness the continued friendship between the Philippines and China as we move forward in the spirit of mutual cooperation and mutual respect,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“As we turn our gaze towards the future, I look forward to the continued strengthening of Philippines-China bilateral relations, especially in the important cooperation areas: tourism, agriculture, trade and investment and infrastructure,” he added.

Marcos said his desire for closer collaboration between the Philippines and China could be realized through the strengthened friendship, support and cooperation of both countries’ peoples.

He said he is “proud” for his contribution of laying the foundation for the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and China.

“Before the establishment of formal Philippines-China diplomatic relations under my father, President Ferdinand E. Marcos, I am proud to have been part in laying the groundwork as former First Lady Imelda Marcos and I had the chance to interact with former Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong in 1974, paving the way for my father’s historic visit to China in 1975,” Marcos recalled.

“This groundbreaking visit ultimately led to the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two nations. This momentous occasion 48 years ago served to further deepen our already strong and enduring people-to-people linkages,” he said.

Marcos also emphasized that his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to China in January this year is a testament to the two countries’ growing ties.

On Thursday, Marcos said the Philippines’ “healthy” and “deepening” relationship with China outweighs the two nations’ differences.

The Philippines and China established diplomatic relations on June 9, 1975.

June 9 of every year is also declared as Filipino-Friendship Day, by virtue of Proclamation 148 issued by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2002.

The bilateral partnership between the Philippines and China has reached unprecedented levels in terms of political cooperation, security and regional cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The two nations’ close cooperation in regional and international issues has also helped maintain stability and economic development of the region. (PNA)