Premier Wen Jiabao met in Beijing on Thursday with Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives Jose De Venecia, vowing to further strategic cooperation between the two countries.

Hailing the great achievements of Sino-Philippine relations, Wen said the two countries are working on an action plan for strategic cooperation, which is an important move to step up bilateral long-term cooperative ties.

China attaches great importance to its friendly ties with the Philippines, the premier said, pledging to join hands with the country to further step up bilateral cooperation in diversified areas.

In response, De Venecia said the substantial cooperation between the two countries have benefited the two peoples, vowing to play an active role to further cement bilateral ties.

He also expressed appreciation for China's great assistance for his country in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, fishery and mine industry.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2008)