Chinese premier meets Myanmar president on ties

NANNING, Sept. 2 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein here Monday on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, which is set to run from Sept. 3-6 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

During the meeting, Li said it is of great strategic importance to strengthen China-Myanmar friendship under the background of complex international and regional situation.

Myanmar is speeding up its economic and social construction, while China is accelerating the development and opening up of its southwest region, said Li, adding that the two sides enjoy complimentary advantages in location, markets and technology.

He suggested that both countries should enhance political mutual trust, discuss new thoughts and paths to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to soundly implement the major projects of bilateral cooperation and bring more benefits to local people.

The premier also called on the two countries to make joint efforts to safeguard prosperity and security in border regions and push forward the long-term stable development of China-Myanmar relations.

As Myanmar will undertake the alternate chairing of the ASEAN in 2014, China hopes Myanmar will contribute to the smooth development of China-ASEAN relations, Li added.

U Thein Sein said the traditional friendly cooperation between Myanmar and China facilitates the development of both countries.

Myanmar appreciates China's support and assistance, said U Thein Sein, adding that his country is willing to boost strategic communication and expand reciprocal cooperation so as to promote better development of bilateral ties and ASEAN-China relations.