Palace: China’s Xi to visit PH on Nov 20-21

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands after a signing ceremony in Beijing, China, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. Duterte was meeting Thursday with Xi in Beijing as part of a charm offensive aimed at seeking trade and support from the Asian giant by setting aside a thorny territorial dispute. (Photo by AP)

Malacañang announced Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the Philippines from November 20 to 21.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panonelo said Xi’s visit will be the first state visit of a Chinese President in 13 years.

“The Palace wishes to announce the forthcoming State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping,” Panelo said.

“Upon the invitation of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Chinese President Xi Jinping will undertake a State Visit to the Philippines from 20-21 November 2018,” he added.

During the state visit, Panelo said the two leaders will exchange views on areas of mutual concern and chart the course for the future of Philippines-China bilateral relations.

Earlier, the Palace said Duterte will invite Xi to his house in Davao City when the Chinese leader visits the Philippines this November.

READ: ‘Kulambo diplomacy:’ Duterte to invite Xi Jinping to Davao home

Should Xi accept the invitation, he would be the second foreign top leader to visit Duterte’s home after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe toured the house of the Philippine leader in January 2017.  /kga