Chinese Vice-President Hu Jintao, in a meeting on December 23 with Foreign Minister of Myanmar U Win Aung, spoke highly of China-Myanmar relations, saying the two close neighbors have a long history of friendship.

Bilateral relations have withstood the test of time and witnessed steady progress since diplomatic ties were established nearly fifty years ago. High-level contacts have helped deepen mutual understanding and friendship and accelerate cooperation in numerous fields, said Hu.

China deeply treasures its long-standing friendship with Myanmar and is willing to work together with Myanmar to further promote and develop relations in the 21st century based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence, he said.

U Win Aung said that since diplomatic ties were established, Myanmar and China have witnessed steady and smooth relations. The new leadership of Myanmar will continue to develop relations with China and pass on the traditional friendship to future generations.