MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte on Sunday met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian during his farewell call at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in Mandaluyong City.

Huang, who served as China’s envoy to the Philippines for nearly six years, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice President as part of the conclusion of his diplomatic tour of duty in the country.

During their meeting, Vice President Duterte expressed appreciation for Huang’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and China, as well as in fostering closer ties between the Filipino and Chinese communities.

“We both share the hope of continuing the strong and positive relations between our two countries and with our neighbors in Asia,” Duterte said.

She thanked Huang for his service and for his kind words about the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.

“Let us continue to love our country—for God, for the nation, and for every Filipino family,” the Vice President added.

Huang, for his part, conveyed gratitude to the Philippine government and people for the cooperation and goodwill extended to him throughout his tenure, noting the “warm welcome and kindness” of Filipinos during his stay.