China, Myanmar to foster stronger parliamentary ties

Zhang Dejiang(R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with Thura U Shwe Mann, speaker of Myanmar's Union Parliament and the House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2014. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

China and Myanmar agreed on Thursday to facilitate closer parliamentary exchanges and share governance experience.

The agreement was made during talks between China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang and Thura U Shwe Mann, speaker of Myanmar's Union Parliament and the House of Representatives.

They signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on boosting closer cooperation between China's National People's Congress (NPC) and Myanmar's Union Parliament.

Zhang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, expressed his hope that both sides would take the opportunity to sign the MOU to cement exchanges between leadership and special committees and foster stronger cooperation.

He proposed enhancing the sharing of governance experience, especially in legislation, to serve as a reference for each other's domestic reform, development and stability.

Zhang also suggested making full play of the role of legislative departments to protect legitimate rights of investors and maintain a sound policy and legal environment for China-Myanmar trade cooperation.

He called for closer exchanges and dialogues between the two countries' congressmen.

Hailing the achievements of the China-Myanmar friendship since the forging of diplomatic ties 64 years ago, Zhang said China attaches great importance to its ties with Myanmar and hopes to further enhance exchanges and cooperation to benefit the two peoples.

Thura U Shwe Mann said Myanmar admires China's reform and opening-up policy as well as the country's great achievements in its economic and social development.

He said his current tour aims at further consolidating the Myanmar-China friendship and boosting mutually beneficial cooperation.

Myanmar firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said, expressing appreciation for China's support for Myanmar.

Thura U Shwe Mann is visiting China from April 8-12 at Zhang's invitation.