MANILA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- China and the Philippines agreed to maintain dialogue and properly address differences, so as to avoid negative impact on bilateral cooperation, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying said here Friday.
The visiting Chinese vice foreign minister met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario and co-hosted the 18th Foreign Ministry Consultations with Philippine Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio on Friday morning.
In an interview with Xinhua, Fu said that the two sides had candid and in-depth discussions on issues existing in the relations. They exchanged views on China-Philippine relations and issues of common interest in a constructive atmosphere.
Both China and the Philippines see each other as important neighbors who share a long history of friendly exchanges, Fu said.
"The two sides agreed to work together to implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries and promote bilateral exchanges at all levels in areas of economy, trade, science and technology, law enforcement and people-to-people exchanges," Fu said.
Efforts should also be made to continue exchange programs in the "Years of Friendly Exchanges between China and the Philippines in 2012-2013", to push ahead with healthy and stable development between the two countries, she added.
Fu said she also had opportunities to meet with senior law- makers, government officials and some old friends while her stay in the Philippines. She called on Philippine President Benigno Aquino III Friday afternoon.
Fu is paying a visit to the Philippines from Oct. 18 to 20.
