Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Thura U Shwe Mann, speaker of Myanmar's Union Parliament and the House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, April 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U Shwe Mann, chairman of Myanmar's ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), in Beijing on Monday, vowing to facilitate stronger cooperation between the two countries and ruling parties.
Praising the traditional friendship between the countries, Xi said China-Myanmar ties have withstood the test of time because the countries respect each other's core interests and concerns while supporting each other on major issues.
He called on both sides to treat China-Myanmar relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, maintain border peace and do more to help development and people's well-being.
Xi told U Shwe Mann, also speaker of Myanmar's Union Parliament and the House of Representatives, that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and enjoy huge potential.
"Sticking to mutual benefits is an important principle for China's exchanges and cooperation with the world," Xi said.
China's initiatives, including the "One Belt, One Road" and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, aim to upgrade China's cooperation with countries along the route, benefiting neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Xi said.
The "Belt and Road" refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives, which encompass international trade and infrastructure projects and were proposed by Xi when he visited Central Asia and Southeast Asia in September and October 2013.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) treasures its relations with the USDP, Xi said, calling on both parties to maintain high-level contacts and personnel exchanges and share governance experience.
U Shwe Mann recalled his meeting with Xi last year during his China trip, adding he felt friendship with the CPC, the Chinese people and President Xi.
Myanmar appreciates China's support over the years and is committed to enhancing its all-round strategic cooperative partnership with the country, U Shwe Mann said.
The USDP expects to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC, he added.
