President Xi vows to promote China's 'strategic cooperative partnership' with Myanmar

Beijing, Aug. 20 (ANI): Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to promote a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Myanmar and also to bring more tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is on her first five-day official visit to China. Praising Suu Kyi's efforts to advance the China-Myanmar friendship, Xi said that Beijing stands ready to work with Naypyidaw to ensure the countries will always be good neighbors, friends, brothers and partners. He also extended Myanmar's choice of development path and its efforts to safeguard national stability, promote economic growth, and maintain social harmony. "China stands ready to maintain high-level contact and people-to-people exchanges with Myanmar as well as enhance communication and mutual trust," Xinhua quoted Xi, as saying. He suggested that both countries should also integrate their development strategies, adding, Beijing appreciates Myanmar's support for the Belt and Road Initiative. China and Myanmar on Thursday agreed to enhance cooperation between energy departments to find a proper solution to the suspended Myitsone Dam project. Jointly funded by China and Myanmar, the project was suspended by the Myanmar government in 2011. Suu Kyi had yesterday said that Myanmar believes that China, as a good neighbor, will do everything possible to promote the country's peace process. She also pledged to work with China to safeguard stability along the border, and will not allow anything that could affect amicable ties with its neighbours. (ANI)