Chen Guangjun, deputy director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, warmly welcomed the new Philippine consul general Iric Cruz Arribas during their meeting on Jan 15. 

Chen thanked Iric Cruz Arribas for his service in his previous role as the head of the ASEAN Consular Corps in Guangzhou, acknowledging the longstanding historical ties between China and the Philippines. 

With the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching, Chen emphasized the importance of deepening local exchanges and expanding practical cooperation with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries.

Iric Cruz Arribas expressed his appreciation for the meeting arranged by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province. He highlighted the opportunity presented by the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations to enhance collaboration with Guangdong in various fields, such as e-commerce, technological innovation, and tourism. He looks forward to strengthening ties and fostering mutual benefits between the Philippines and Guangdong.