China's Xi sends birthday greeting to Duterte

MANILA- Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his best wishes to President Rodrigo Duterte on the eve of the latter's birthday.

In a congratulatory letter released by the Chinese Embassy, Xi hailed the renewed ties between Manila and Beijing under the leadership of Duterte.

“Over the past year, the China-Philippines relations have experienced a turnaround and are being further consolidated and deepened," Xi said.

"Our bilateral relations have enjoyed ongoing betterment and improvement and reaped productive outcomes, which brought tangible benefits to our two peoples and promoted peace and stability of the region," he added.

Xi also recalled his previous meetings with Duterte and noted how he values with "great significance" ties with the Philippines.

"I attach great significance to the growth of China-Philippines relations, and stand ready to work with you to carry forward sustained and in-depth growth of China-Philippines relations and bring about more benefits to our countries and peoples," he added.

Duterte met with Xi during his 2016 visit to Beijing and at the sidelines of the 2016 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit the same year.

In 2017, Duterte also met with Xi when he attended the launch of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing.

The Philippine leader, who will turn 73 on Wednesday, is expected to spend his birthday in his hometown Davao City.

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