Myanmar president meets Japanese deputy PM

YANGON. Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Thein Sein met with visiting Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso in Nay Pyi Taw Thursday, said the President's Office.

Aso is also member of Japan's Lower House.

Bringing to U Thein Sein the message of newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Aso said Japan will provide assistance to Myanmar in nationalities affairs and socioeconomic development, human resources and infrastructural development.

The pair held discussions on promotion of investment, cooperation between governments and between the private sectors, development of small-and-medium enterprises, cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, power, drinking water and transport in Yangon, upgrading of university and hospital as well as assistance to nationalities' organizations, the sources said.

U Thein Sein also extended invitation to Japanese premier for a visit to Myanmar.

Aso will also meet Speaker of the House of Representatives U Shwe Mann and Commander-in Chief of the Defense Services Vice Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing later on the day, the sources said.

Aso's three-day trip represents the visit to Myanmar of a highest-ranking Japanese official since U Thein Sein made a historic tour to Tokyo in April 2012 which opened up a new chapter of bilateral friendly relations.

Besides meeting with Myanmar Finance Minister U Win Shein in the capital, Aso will also visit the Thilawa Special Economic Zone and meet Japanese business representatives in Yangon during his stay, other sources added.

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