China welcomes India, Myanmar talks

As a friendly neighbor of both India and Myanmar, China likes to see the two nations developing friendly cooperative relations, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman on Monday in Beijing.

Liu Weimin made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Myanmar.

Singh embarked on a three-day visit to Myanmar on Sunday, saying New Delhi attaches the highest importance to a country it regards as a "close friend and neighbor."

China hopes that the development of India-Myanmar ties will be conducive to the peace, stability and prosperity of the two countries as well as the region, according to Liu.

In response to a question on whether Chinese leaders have plans to visit Myanmar in the near future, Liu said China is willing to enhance bilateral exchanges with Myanmar, including by high-level visits.

The two sides maintain sound communication in this respect, noted Liu, adding that Foreign Ministry will release information on the matter in due course.