Chinese president meets Myanmar defense chief

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R), who is also chairman of China's Central Military Commission, shakes hands with Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Oct 16, 2013. Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's Defense Services, on Wednesday in Beijing.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, hailed the bilateral relationship and described China and Myanmar as "good neighbors, good friends and good partners."

To cement the comprehensive strategic partnership in a sustained way ?is not only in the fundamental interests of the people of the two countries, but also helps to promote peace and stability in the region and the world at large as the international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes, said the Chinese president.

The Chinese side firmly adheres to a friendly policy towards Myanmar and stands ready to work with Myanmar to increase strategic communication and advance practical cooperation in a smooth way to ensure the healthy, stable and continuous development of the bilateral relationship, Xi said.

China attaches great importance to peace and stability in China- Myanmar border areas and supports the process of ethnic reconciliation in Myanmar, he added.

Xi said China hopes peace and stability in northern Myanmar can be restored at an early date and China is willing to continue playing a constructive role toward this goal.

The president also lauded military-to-military ties between the two sides, proposing the two militaries increase exchanges and boost cooperation to contribute to the bilateral relationship.

Hailing the friendship between the sides, Min Aung Hlaing said that enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership under the current circumstances is of great importance.

Myanmar is grateful for China's long-lasting support and positive role in maintaining peace and stability in its north, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China to advance the bilateral relationship, said the senior general.

The Defense Services of Myanmar will make unremitting efforts to enhance the relationship between the two countries, he vowed.