Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 4) — Chinas top diplomat will make an official visit to the country starting July 5, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

A statement from the DFA said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi would be in the country from July 5 to 6 upon the invitation of DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Wang will be the first foreign counterpart to be received by Secretary Manalo after assuming office on 01 July 2022, said the DFA.

The DFA added Manalo and Wang would discuss matters concerning both countries, focusing on maintaining and building on the positive trend of relations between the Philippines and China.

Wang was last in Manila in January 2021 during an official visit upon the invitation of former DFA Secretary Teodoro Teddyboy Locsin Jr.