Mr. Arsenio “Nick” Lizaso, President, Cultural Center of the Philippines, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Li Xiaoping, Director General, Foreign Affairs Office of Xiamen Municipal People’s Government (FAO Xiamen) on 08 April 2019 at the FAO’s office in Xiamen City to explore and forge cultural cooperation and exchanges.
Mr. Lizaso expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and extended an invitation to DG Li and to FAO officials to visit the Philippines to attend CCP’s 50th Anniversary commemorative activities from September 2019 – September 2020.
Both sides committed to strengthen ties and cooperation which include exchanges of artists (in all fields of visual and performing arts), exhibitions and workshops, and film festivals, among others. On top of this visit is the proposed exchange of performances between the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra/PPO (the Philippines leading symphony orchestra and a resident company of CCP) and Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra (XPO). DG Li also mentioned that Xiamen City will host this year’s China-wide film festival wherein the Philippines could participate.
Mr. Lizaso’s visit is Consulate General’s initiative as part of its cultural and economic diplomacy thrusts for 2019 and beyond which is also in line with the Philippine Government and the Government of People’s Republic of China’s mutual desire to deepen relations, further develop and strengthen cultural cooperation and exchanges as well as enhance people-to-people contacts.
Mr. Li also expressed appreciation to the Consulate General for its unwavering support and initiatives to strengthen cultural cooperation and exchanges between Xiamen City and the Philippines.
Both sides were optimistic that Mr. Lizaso’s visit will contribute towards the nurturing and strengthening of ties between the Philippines and China.
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