China to cement cooperative partnership with Myanmar

BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Thursday pledged to boost strategic cooperation with Myanmar.

During a meeting with Myanmar's Speaker of the House of Representatives Thura U Shwe Mann in Beijing, Jia hailed the sound development of bilateral ties, citing increased exchanges and enhanced trade and cultural cooperation.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said complicated changes in the global situation have brought opportunities and challenges for both countries as they work to deepen their relations.

He urged both sides to maintain high-level contacts, strengthen strategic coordination and draw up a plan for comprehensive and strategic cooperation at an early date.

"The CPPCC is willing to further cement contact and personnel exchanges with Myanmar's House of Representatives and House of Nationalities, as well as share experience in participating in state affairs," Jia said.

As a friendly neighbor of Myanmar, China supports Myanmar's development path and will continue to back the country's efforts to maintain national stability and development, he said.

"China hopes to work closely with Myanmar to boost bilateral cooperation and properly settle problems," he said.

Safeguarding peace and stability in border areas is in the common interest of both countries, Jia said.

China respects Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and sincerely hopes Myanmar will properly solve reconciliation issues in border areas in order to maintain stability there, Jia said.

Thura U Shwe Mann said he appreciates China's support for Myanmar over the years, adding that the government and people of Myanmar treasure their friendship with China.

Speaking highly of China's development, he said Myanmar expects to learn from China's successful experience.

Strengthening cooperation with China is one of his country's set policies, he said, adding that Myanmar will stick to the one-China policy and boost the growth of their all-around strategic partnership.

Later on Thursday, Thura U Shwe Mann met with Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army and a member of the Central Military Commission.

"No matter how the international situation changes, our faith in consolidating and promoting China-Myanmar relations will not change," Chen said.

Chen said the Chinese army hopes to work with Myanmar to boost strategic mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and seek common development.

Thura U Shwe Mann came to Beijing on Wednesday for a five-day visit as a guest of Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.