China, Myanmar to strengthen bilateral ties for economic development

Chinese PM Li Keqiang made the remarks on Saturday during his meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw

Premier Li Keqiang has said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Myanmar in support of the South-East Asian nation's economic development and improvement of livelihood of its people.

The Chinese Prime Minister made the remarks on Saturday during his meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Mongolia, reports Xinhua.

China and Myanmar, which jointly put forward the five principles of peaceful co-existence, have deepened good relations based on the principles since they established diplomatic ties 66 years ago, he said.

"China respects Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the development path that the Myanmar people have chosen independently in accordance with their national conditions," said Prime Minister Li.

Prime Minister Li called on both countries to enhance high-level exchanges, increase mutual political trust, and outline the development of bilateral ties in the new era, saying China and Myanmar have highly complementary economies and great potential for cooperation.

"China is willing to dovetail development strategies with Myanmar and strengthen cooperation in such areas as infrastructure construction, education, healthcare and water conservancy projects to support the economic development and improvement of people's livelihood in Myanmar," he said.

President Htin Kyaw, for his part, said Myanmar and China have long upheld the five principles of peaceful co-existence with bilateral relations continuously moving forward and that the country hopes for more investment from Beijing.