China, Myanmar seek to boost ties

Myanmar President U Win Myint yesterday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi with both sides pledging to strengthen high-level exchanges to push bilateral ties to a new high.

The Myanmar president expressed gratitude to China for its long-term support for Myanmar’s sovereignty, dignity and socio-economic development.

The president also hoped that China would continue to support Myanmar in pressing forward the ongoing national reconciliation and peace process.

For his part, the Chinese state councilor said China and Myanmar are neighbors linked by rivers and mountains enjoying a “baobo” (brothers and relatives) friendship. Both countries advocate and practice the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting an example of equality and mutually beneficial cooperation between countries.

He pledged that China will continue to firmly support Myanmar’s efforts in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions, protecting its legitimate rights and national integrity in the international arena and maintaining its overall development and stability.

China also appreciates Myanmar’s firm support for China on issues bearing on its core interests and major concerns, he said.