Myanmar President meets Chinese State Councilor

Myanmar President meets Chinese State Councilor

Published on Wednesday, 26 June 2013 21:32

President Thein Sein of Myanmar received the visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi at the Presidential Palace in capital Nay Pyi Taw on Monday, Myanmar's state-owned media reported.

They discussed a variety of political and economic issues, including the border region development, Kyaukphyu Industrial Zone Project and Chinese help for Myanmar in hosting Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The Union Ministers, Vice-ministers and senior officials from both sides attended the discussion.

Yang Jiechi, the former Foreign Minister of China, said President Thein Sein's efforts have improved the bilateral friendship and cooperation in culture between China and Myanmar.

He said, "Peace talks between Myanmar government and KIA (Kachin Independence Army) have brought about better outcomes and China is glad to see it. China has always respected sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, and vows to cooperate with Myanmar for development of China-Myanmar border regions as well as economic development."

Kachin State in Northern Myanmar bordering with China has been plagued by fighting between KIA and government troops for over the past 2 years. Last month, KIA and the government reached a 7-point agreement to continue talks for a ceasefire.

The Chinese State Councilor also pushed for early implementation of Kyaukphyu Industrial Zone Project in Rakhine State on the Western coast of Myanmar. Kyaukphyu project includes construction of a deep sea port, to which China wants to establish transportation access. President Thein Sein said, "The project will bring development in the region."

The councilor also offered Chinese participation in the development tasks of the South Western regions of Myanmar, and assistance in the opening and closing ceremonies of 27th SEA Games to be held in Myanmar at the end of this year.

President Thein Sein said, "Myanmar needs to take lessons from China where peace and stability and economic development could be realized during a 30 year period." He thanked China for offering loans for Myanmar's agricultural development, assistance in Myanmar's chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2014, and donation of three replicas of Buddha tooth to Myanmar.

President Thein Sein and Yang Jiechi also discussed improving health and energy sectors in Myanmar, ensuring peace and stability in the border regions and cementing bilateral strategic partnership.

 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/06/27/myanmar-president-meets-chinese-state-councilor/