By Patricia Lourdes Viray
MANILA, Philippines — The forthcoming revived talks between the Philippines and China can be considered as a "new chapter" in handling the South China Sea dispute, Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana said.
Romana will lead the Philippine delegation for the inaugural bilateral consultation meeting on the sea dispute on Friday in Guiyang, China.
At a televised press conference on Wednesday, Sta. Romana said that the basic approach in settling the dispute is to create a vision that would lead to the final settlement of the sea row.
"We will focus on issues of concern to each side and as well as try to use this mechanism to increase mutual trust and confidence and to find possible areas of cooperation," Sta. Romana said.
Both parties have agreed to meet at least twice a year to manage the dispute and to discuss in a frank and friendly way the developments in the South China Sea, the ambassador said.
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