Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Manila on Monday to pay an official visit to the Philippines after attending a series of summits in Cebu, the second largest city of the Southeast Asian nation.

In a written statement released upon his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, the Chinese premier said China and the Philippines are friendly neighbors and the two peoples have a profound traditional friendship.

During the past 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Sino-Philippine relations have registered substantial growth. "The two countries are committed to establishing a strategic and cooperative relationship for peace and development," he added.

The bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, defense and security fields have kept expanding, and there is closer bilateral coordination in regional and international affairs. The development of Sino-Philippine relations has brought great benefits to the two peoples, he said.

During the visit, the Chinese premier will hold talks with President Arroyo and meet with other Philippine leaders and public leaders.

"I am confident that my visit will strengthen the traditional friendship between our two peoples, expand and deepen our strategic cooperation and advance bilateral relations to a new phase of all-round development," Wen said.

Before he flew to Manila, the Chinese premier attended the 10th Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, the 10th ASEAN-China Summit, the 2nd East Asia Summit and the Seventh Leaders' Meeting of China, Japan and South Korea in Cebu, the second largest city of the Philippines. He will leave for China on Tuesday.

Source: Xinhua