President Hu Jintao arrived in Manila on Tuesday, issuing a statement that China and the Philippines are close friends and neighbors with a longstanding traditional friendship. 

"Over the past 30 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations, concerted efforts made by the two sides have resulted in visibly deeper political mutual trust and remarkable progress in friendly exchange and cooperation in the economy, trade, culture, security and other areas," he said.

Hu said he is looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of shared interest.

"Friendship and cooperation between China and the Philippines serve the long-term fundamental interests of the two peoples as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity," he said.

"As our bilateral relationship is entering a new stage of development, we are ready to join our friends in the Philippines to seize opportunities and build on good momentum so as to bring our relations of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation to a higher level," he said.

"I am also looking forward to extensive contacts with other leaders and people from all walks of life, with a view to building a better future for our friendly cooperation," he said.

Hu will end his three-nation Southeast Asia tour Thursday. He has already visited Brunei and Indonesia.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2005)