Chinese top legislator meets Myanmar president

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Myanmar President U Thein Sein in Beijing, China, June 27, 2014. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

Chinese top legislator Zhang Dejiang met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein on Friday.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), said that because of special geographical relations and unique affinity, China and Myanmar have maintained friendship from generation to generation.

He called on the two nations to firmly grasp the right direction for the development of bilateral relations, continue to enhance strategic mutual trust and win-win cooperation, not to be distracted by external disturbances, so as to push forward the development of bilateral ties on a healthy and stable track.

The two countries should carry on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence announced by China, India and Myanmar 60 years ago, and make new contribution to the establishment of a new type of international relations, said Zhang.

Zhang said the NPC is willing to work with the parliament of Myanmar to implement the memorandum of understanding reached by the two sides, and boost up exchanges.

U Thein Sein, who was here at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a four-day goodwill visit to China starting on Friday, said China is one of Myanmar's best friends and neighbors. He appreciated China's support and assistance, saying that Myanmar would like to push forward the comprehensive strategic cooperation with China.

U Thein Sein will attend the commemorative ceremony of the 60th anniversary of the announcement of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence to be held in Beijing on Saturday and Sunday together with Chinese leaders and Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari.

In 1954, leaders of China, India and Myanmar initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, which stand for mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.