Manila, Nov 20 (Prensa Latina) The Philippines and China raised the level of bilateral relations to integral strategic cooperation after the meeting on Tuesday in this capital between President Rodrigo Duterte and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

Xi arrived in Manila on Tuesday to pay a state visit, the first by a Chinese president in 13 years.

At the meeting, held in the Presidential Palace of Malacañang, both leaders agreed to deepen bilateral ties and develop mutual trust.

'We have turned a new page and we are ready to write a new chapter of opening and cooperation,' said Duterte, adding that they set the course towards a higher partnership.

On this occasion, we have also discussed the participation of the Phillipines in the Silk Road and Strip Initiative, which was proposed by the Chinese president in 2014.

In a joint press confernece, Xi assured that China and the Philippines are close neighbours with a wide exchange history.

'Good neighborhood, friendship and cooperation are our only option for the future,' he said.

The Chinese president noted that his country would donate 10,000 tons of rice to help the victims of Typhoon Ompong, a powerful meteorological event that left at least 90 deaths and lots of material damage in the Philippines in September.

In order to enhance cooperation, Xi pointed out that they will also grant 50 government scholarships for Philippine students from 2019 to 2021,

During this first official visit by a Chinese president, both dignataries witnessed the signing of 29 judicial documents on business, infrastructure, trade, industry, peace and stability.

Local media highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the development of oil and gas, which is highly beneficial, according to experts, for Manila and Beijing.

Since 2016, China and the Philippines have strengthened relations and the bilateral trade has increased significantly.

In the first nine months of 2018, Chinese net foreign direct investment increased to 181 million dollars, much higher than the 28.8 million dollars in the entire 2017.