On April 11th, Chinese Ambassador Li Jinjun, host of the opening ceremony, announced the establishment of the Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Laoag City.

More than 500 guests from all walks of life attended the opening ceremony, including Francisco  Benedicto,  Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Governor of Ilocos Norte Province, Madam Imelda Marcos, respectable Governors and Mayors from other provinces and cities, and distinguished representatives from the Filipino-Chinese community. Ambassador Li Jinjun, Undersecretary Francisco Benedicto, Governor Marcos, and other distinguished guests jointly cut the ribbon and unveiled the Consulate Plate.

                                           

During the party,Ambassador Li Jinjun, Chen Laiping, Consul & Head of Post, Francisco  Benedicto,  Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and other distinguished guests successively delivered speeches. In his speech, Ambassador Li highly evaluated the Sino-Filipino friendly relations and cooperation, and the importance of Northern Philippines to the bilateral relations. Ambassador Li especially indicated that Ilocos Norte and other northern provinces had played a very important role in bilateral exchange and in 1975, President Marcos, a great man from Ilocos Norte, and Madam Imelda opened the door of China-Philippine diplomatic ties, leaving the much-told stories in our relations. He said that, the day of the establishment of the Chinese Consulate in Laoag is an unforgettable day in the history of China-Philippine bilateral relations, and the newly established Consulate would actively facilitate the economy and trade, cultural and personnel exchange and cooperation between China and Northern Philippines. Chen Laiping, Consul & Head of Post, expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Administration, local government officials, and Filipino-Chinese and all friends for their valuable support and great assistance during the preparation period. Chen said that, the Consulate would further promote bilateral cooperation and enhance the friendship between the two peoples, facilitate multi-area exchanges between China and Northern Philippines and provide excellent consular services to Chinese nationals with all our strength.

Ambassador Li Jinjun (Right) and Chen Lai Ping, Consul & Head of Post (Left)

Chen Lai Ping, Consul & Head of Post

     

On behalf of the Philippine Government, Francisco  Benedicto,  Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs warmly greeted the establishment of the new Consulate and read the congratulatory letter from the Foreign Minister. The letter highly evaluated the importance of newly-established Chinese Consulate which would serve as a milestone in the history of China-Philippine relations, indicating the further enhancement and development of bilateral relations.

During his speech, Governor Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the people of Ilocos Norte would never forget that day, and the establishment of the Chinese Consulate had opened a new era for China-Philippine relations as well as a new beginning for bilateral friendly cooperations.      

Francisco  Benedicto,  Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Governor of Ilocos Norte

The Consulate of the People's Republic of China in Laoag is committed to enhance friendly relations between provinces and cities of the two countries, and to facilitate bilateral exchange and cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture, tourism, etc. The Consulate Office will also protect the legal right of Chinese nationals and entities within its consular districts and provide efficient visa, passport, authentication and notarization services. The starting day of consular service will be informed.