Premier Li Keqiang greets Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alan Peter Cayetano, in Beijing on Friday. Feng Yongbin / China Daily

China supports the Philippines in its drive toward development, including construction, economic growth and maintaining stability, Premier Li Keqiang said in Beijing on Friday, during a meeting with the country's Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Alan Peter Cayetano.

Li said China was ready to further promote the healthy and stable growth of ties between the two nations.

Premier Li said China and the Philippines, as close neighbors, shared far more common interests than conflicts.

Bilateral ties between the two have returned to the right path, Li said.

Li said China supported the Philippines holding this year's Leaders' Meetings on East Asia Cooperation, as the rotating chair of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He hoped the Philippines would continue to play a positive role in pushing forward China-ASEAN ties.

Cayetano said his country appreciated China's support and was ready to deepen its relationship with China in all areas.