Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Manila on April 26 for a state visit, which is aimed at expanding friendly cooperation between China and the Philippines.

    In a written statement issued upon his arrival at the Manila Airport, the Chinese president said that China and the Philippines are close friends and neighbors with a long-standing traditional friendship.

    "Over the past 30 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations, concerted efforts made by the two sides have resulted in visibly deeper political mutual trust and remarkable progress in friendly exchanges and cooperation in the economy, trade, culture, security and other fields," he said.

    Hu said that the two countries have also maintained good coordination and cooperation in both international and regional affairs.

    "Friendship and cooperation between China and the Philippines serve the long-term fundamental interests of the two peoples as well as regional peace, stability and prosperity," he said.

    "As our bilateral relationship is entering a new stage of all-round development, we are ready to join our friends in the Philippines to seize opportunities and build on the good momentum so as to bring our relations of good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation to a higher level," he said.

    Hu said he is looking forward to an in-depth exchange of views with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of shared interest.

    "I am also looking forward to extensive contacts with other leaders and people from all walks of life, with a view to buildinga better future for our friendly cooperation," he said.

    The Chinese president said he believes that his visit will push forward the China-Philippine relations.

    Hu will end his three-nation Southeast Asia tour Thursday. He has visited Brunei and Indonesia before his trip to the Philippines.