Myanmar president praises friendship with China

Myanmar President U Thein Sein met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday.

Noting that Myanmar and China are linked by mountains and rivers, U Thein Sein said the traditional "paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between the two countries, forged by leaders of older generations, has been promoted to comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Viewing China as its closest partner, Myanmar firmly adheres to the one-China policy, U Thein Sein said.

Myanmar consistently works to strengthen bilateral high-level exchanges as well as communication and cooperation in various fields, consolidate strategic mutual trust between the two countries and promote the continued development of bilateral ties based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, he said.

For his part, Chang said the aim of his visit is to implement the principles of China's neighbor diplomacy proposed by President Xi Jinping, which encompasses amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and further boost the in-depth development of relations between the two countries and the two armed forces.

The two countries have become true good neighbors, friends and partners over the years, Chang noted.

The Chinese side is ready to work together with Myanmar to deepen coordination and cooperation between the two armed forces, and upgrade the bilateral military ties to a new level that is on a par with the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

On Tuesday morning, Chang also met with Myanmar parliament speaker U Shwe Mann with the presence of Chinese Ambassador Yang Houlan and some deputy commander-in-chiefs of the Chinese navy, airforce and army.