Philippine deputy FM hails Chinese president's participation in APEC

MANILA - Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosarioio on Sunday hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping's participation of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, adding Xi's visit is a symbolic act to strengthen bilateral ties.

Rosario told a press briefing here that the Chinese president's participation signaled China is one of the active players of the APEC and the importance of the multilateral economic cooperation mechanism.

"It will also send a message to the region that we are working as a team to address our common economic and security concerns," said the under secretary.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Tuesday that China wishes the coming economic leaders' meeting here a success and is willing to offer the rotating host necessary support.

The Chinese foreign minister said that the Philippine leadership extended their warmest welcome to Xi's planned presence and considered the Chinese leader's visit the most important support for the host.

Meanwhile, Rosario said that the Philippines will strengthen security measures on the APEC meeting, given the backdrop of the deadly terror attack on Friday in Paris, but she stopped short of giving further security details.