Xi calls talks with Duterte ‘fruitful’during his state visit to Philippines

China and the Philippines signed 29 cooperation documents covering such areas as trade, investment, finance, agriculture, culture and the Belt and Road Initiative during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the Southeast Asian country on Tuesday.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Xi and his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte in Manila. Duterte hosted a grand ceremony to welcome Xi before their talks and the signing ceremony.

When the two leaders jointly met reporters, Xi said that his talks with Duterte were "friendly, in-depth and fruitful".

China and the Philippines have lots of common interests in the South China Sea, Xi said, adding that the two countries will continue to manage disagreements and promote maritime cooperation through friendly consultation.

China and the Philippines will work with ASEAN countries to contribute to peace, stability and welfare in the region, Xi said.

The comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship sends a positive signal to the world regarding the China-Philippines friendship, Xi said.

"China and the Philippines must join hands to uphold the interests of the developing world, resist protectionism and unilateralism, and promote peace, stability and prosperity in our region and beyond," Xi said.