China on Sunday officially opened its consulate general in the southern Philippine city of Davao, also known as the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, with foreign ministers of the two countries attending the opening ceremony.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends the opening ceremony of China’s consulate general in the southern Philippine city of Davao, October 28, 2018. [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a two-day visit to the Philippines, said in his opening speech that setting up a consulate general in Davao reflects the deepening friendship between China and the Philippines, and serves the all-round growth of cooperation between the two countries.

The decision of the Chinese government to set up this consulate general in Davao speaks of our full confidence in the city's future, Wang said, adding that with this consulate general opened, China is ready to broaden cooperation with Davao and the southern Philippines.

Wang said that well-governed by President Rodrigo Duterte for years, Davao city had enjoyed political stability, social harmony and prosperity, and had become one of the most tranquil cities in the Philippines.

The current mayor has also worked with strong determination and a pioneering spirit, and the city has therefore reached many new highs on the track to an even brighter future, he added.

We are not just opening the consulate general, but also demonstrating our strong resolve for close cooperation between China and the Philippines, Wang said.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin welcomed the formal opening of the Chinese consulate general in Davao, saying its inauguration underscores the growing cooperation between Manila and Beijing.

The inauguration of the Chinese consulate general here in Davao is an auspicious sign of the city's promise and the bright prospects for our engagement with China, Locsin said in his remarks.

May this be a continued testament to an immemorial friendship, to a robust and interconnected relationship, and to sustained interactions between the Philippines and China as we promote our common goals to the mutual benefit of both our great nations, he added.

Davao is renowned for its strategic location and connectivity, a gateway to the rich resources and culture of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. It also accounts for around 40 percent of Chinese tropical fruit imports from the Philippines.