Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said that China cherishes the “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship between the peoples of China and Burma and is committed to developing bilateral relations, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Speaking to Burmese President Thein Sein on the sidelines on the 16th leaders’ meeting between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Li reportedly said that China is ready to “seize the major trend” when dealing with bilateral relations, improve pragmatic cooperation in various fields with Burma and constantly instill new vitality into bilateral good-neighbourly and friendly cooperation.
According to Xinhua, the Chinese leader said that China “supports Myanmar’s [Burma’s] efforts in pushing forward the domestic peace process, and is willing to work with Myanmar to maintain stability along the border.”
Thein Sein is quoted by the Chinese news agency as saying that Burma “appreciates China’s support” and is ready to work closely with China to further develop a “bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership”.
In a week when Burma assumed the gavel of the ASEAN chairmanship, Thein Sein said his government was “willing to play a greater role in promoting ASEAN-China ties”, the report said.
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