Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani has met with Burma’s Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing in the capital Naypyidaw.

A statement on Min Aung Hlaing’s official Facebook page said the senior-general pledged to the Japanese minister that he would continue efforts to ensure peace and stability in Burma.

Min Aung Hlaing said that while the Burmese military’s main duty is to protect the country, the armed forces also feel a sense of responsibility to help ensure peace, stability and unity in Burma due to the course of history the country has come through. He also reiterated the Southeast Asian nation’s plans to promote development after falling behind for many years.

Burma’s military chief also remarked that since elections in 2010, the country has been moving steadily towards a multi-party democratic system. In an apparent reference to the military’s continuing role in Burmese politics, he added that while the current system may not conform to international standards, it is suitable to the country’s political environment.

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The meeting in Naypyidaw was also joined by the Burmese military’s deputy commander-in-chief Lt-Gen Soe Win and other senior officials. The Japanese delegation included the country’s deputy minister of defence and Japan’s ambassador to Burma.

Other issues that were reportedly discussed were: Japan’s role in the Burmese peace process; matters relating to the upcoming meeting between the defence ministers of Japan and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations; and regional stability.

Nakatani also met with Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw on Wednesday morning, when they discussed bilateral relations.