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MANILA, Nov. 21-- China and the Philippines issued a joint statement Wednesday, stipulating cooperation on the Belt and Road construction and agreeing to discuss maritime cooperation during President Xi Jinping's state visit to the country. During their meeting, Xi and his Philippine counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte, charted the course for the future of China-Philippines bilateral relations, had in-depth exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest, and reached important consensus, according to the statement. ELEVATION OF RELATIONS China and the Philippines, according to the document, recognized that the bilateral relations have achieved a positive turnaround and a sound momentum of development through the joint efforts and mutual trust of both sides. The two presidents decided to establish the relationship of comprehensive strategic cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, sincerity, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The two leaders recognized that the elevation of China-Philippines relations to higher levels is in line with the fundamental interests and shared aspiration of the two countries and peoples, the statement said. They agreed to maintain close high-level communication so as to strengthen the planning of bilateral relations, institute timely communication on major regional and international issues, and promote the sharing of experience in state governance. | 
