Myanmar president meets Chinese state councilor

Myanmar President U Thein Sein (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi during a meeting with him in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, June 24, 2013. Yang Jiechi arrived in Myanmar Sunday for a two-day visit at the invitation of the government of Myanmar. (Xinhua/U Aung)

Myanmar President U Thein Sein met with visiting Chinese state councilor Yang Jiechi in Myanmar's capital Nay Pyi Taw on Monday.

Noting that China and Myanmar are traditionally friendly neighbors, Yang stressed that the two countries should firmly grasp the correct direction of their bilateral ties from a strategic and long term point of view and properly implement the important consensus reached between the heads of state of the two countries, continuously expand the common interest and deepen the China-Myanmar Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership.

Yang called for maintenance of reciprocal visits at high level and boost strategic link, deepening practical cooperation, ensuring smooth implementation of major cooperation projects to realize mutually beneficial win-win status to benefit local people.

He also called for personal and cultural exchange to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

He emphasized strengthening of coordination and consonance in regional cooperation, saying that next year, Myanmar will be alternate chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN) and China would like to push along with Myanmar the development of China-ASEAN ties.

Yang stressed that China respects Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity and support it to pursue a path of development that conforms to its status, hoping and supporting Myanmar's social stability, economic development and livelihood improvement.

Speaking of Myanmar's national reconciliation process, Yang hoped the government and the Kachin side could maintain the trend of peace talks and reach ceasefire agreement as early as possible to realize eternal peace and stability in the north and China- Myanmar border areas. In this regard, China would continue to play a construction role, he added.

U Thein Sein said Myanmar and China are friendly neighbors and good friends. He expressed thanks for the valuable support and assistance long rendered by the Chinese side. He recalled that Myanmar always supported China whenever major issue that linked with China's core interest arose.