Enhanced ties with Myanmar envisioned

China is ready to embark on discussions with Myanmar about new highlights for bilateral cooperation, such as building the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, to better benefit the people of both countries, President Xi Jinping said.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, outlined the vision while meeting with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Beijing on Friday.

Suu Kyi is in China to attend the CPC in Dialogue With World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, which convened shortly after their one-on-one meeting.

Xi noted his previous meetings with Suu Kyi and said bilateral cooperation has made progress and the developing ties have maintained good momentum.

The CPC and the Chinese government will further honor the principle of friendship with Myanmar as always and are ready to further implement consensus reached by both sides, according to Xi.

Suu Kyi voiced appreciation for being invited to the "unprecedented" high-level dialogue meeting.

The ties with China bear special significance for Myanmar, since the two sides enjoy a historical grassroots friendship and close cooperation in recent years based on mutual trust and respect, Suu Kyi said.

The sincerity and friendship felt from the CPC and the government will make bilateral ties closer and facilitate effective cooperation in various fields including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Suu Kyi added.

Also on Friday afternoon, Xi met with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, who is also attending the high-level meeting.

Since next year marks the 60th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties, Xi said the two sides should take the anniversary as a chance to promote the steady and lasting development of the relations.

Cambodia has always offered staunch support on issues regarding China's core interests, and China has always supported Cambodia's efforts in championing national development and stability, Xi said.

China is ready to boost the leading role of party-to-party exchanges and expand cooperation in areas such as defense affairs and law enforcement, Xi said.

Hun Sen said China is a partner that his country highly trusts.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/02/2017 page1)