China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar Defence Services in Mandalay, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.
Wang Yi said that the Myanmar armed forces is an important force in safeguarding national peace and stability and China-Myanmar friendship. The exchanges between the Chinese and Myanmar armed forces are an important part of the "Pauk-Phaw" friendship between the two countries. China is willing to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar next year as an opportunity, to work with the Myanmar government and armed forces to carry forward the traditional friendship, speed up the construction of "Belt and Road Initiative" and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, commit itself to building a community of shared future, and push bilateral relations into a new era.
Wang Yi said, the process of peace and reconciliation in northern Myanmar is of great significance to Myanmar's economic and social development and long-term stability. It is hoped that Myanmar will continue to adhere to the political dialogue and unswervingly advance the peace talks. As always, China will maintain close communication with Myanmar and play a constructive role in pursuing peace and promoting talks. It is hoped that all parties will continue to exercise restraint, maintain the ceasefire situation, and sign the ceasefire agreement at an early date. On the basis of safeguarding Myanmar's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the spirit of autonomy stipulated in the Constitution of the Union of Myanmar, and through political consultation, a political arrangement in line with Myanmar's national conditions, acceptable and sustainable for all parties could be formed.
Wang Yi stressed that the two sides should also strengthen control and cooperation in border areas, earnestly ensure peace and stability along the border between China and Myanmar, and safeguard the security and legitimate rights and interests of border people.
Min Aung Hlaing said that China is Myanmar's "Pauk-Phaw" brother and trusted friend forever. The Myanmar armed forces fully support the Myanmar government and China in enriching the connotation of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, setting up new goals, speeding up "Belt and Road Initiative" cooperation, and earnestly promoting the construction of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor. Myanmar will make every effort to safeguard peace and stability in the border areas between Myanmar and China, actively carry out dialogue with the Ethnic Armed Organizations, and speed up the peace process in northern Myanmar.
