GMA to have light schedule in Shanghai trip

MANILA, Philippines - Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said yesterday President Arroyo’s short visit to Shanghai, China today aims to reaffirm strong ties between the Philippines and China.

He said the President’s schedule in China would be light compared to her usual foreign travels where meetings take place one after another.

Aside from attending the opening of the Philippine pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, Mrs. Arroyo would also meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao to exchange notes.

“I think the point of the trip is really to show up for the Shanghai exposition and show that the Philippines supports and recognizes the importance of this event to the plans of China,” Olivar said.

The President’s visit also coincides with the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Malacañang said this would be the first time a Filipino head of state would be in China to commemorate the start of bilateral relations between the two countries, which started on June 9, 1975.

The meeting between Mrs. Arroyo and Hu is expected to break new ground in Philippines-China relations and increase friendly exchanges.

With the theme “Philippines + China @ 35: More than Friends,” the two countries have lined up year-long activities highlighting three aspects of Philippines-China relations – linking the past with the future, the growing twinning arrangements, and the youth and the future.

Olivar said the President would also inaugurate a commemorative event for the sisterhood of the Yushan Mountains in Fujian, China and the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.