Chinese state councilor in border area, stressing China-Myanmar friendly cooperation

KUNMING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday called for efforts to maintain stability in the China-Myanmar border area and promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.

Qin made the remarks during an inspection tour in the China-Myanmar border area in southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Yunnan is situated at the forefront of Myanmar-related affairs, and therefore plays a unique role in advancing China-Myanmar relations, Qin said.

He urged efforts to maintain the clarity of the boundary line and stability of the border area, as well as taking strict action against cross-border crimes.

Calling for coordination between frontier management, cross-border trade and bilateral relations, Qin stressed the need to promote regular cross-border trade and people-to-people exchanges, keep as many ports of entry open as possible, and advance the building of the cross-border economic cooperation zone and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

Qin also called on Yunnan to leverage its unique advantage to effectively handle work concerning foreign affairs at the subnational level, in a bid to uphold peace and tranquility in the border area and the overall situation of China-Myanmar friendship.