Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Myanmar Prime Minister Soe Win on Tuesday in Beijing, vowing to further promote friendly ties between the two neighbors.

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Wen said China and Myanmar have developed their bilateral relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have carried out effective mutually-beneficial cooperation since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 55 years ago.

 

The Chinese government attaches importance to the development of China-Myanmar relations, hoping the two countries will continue to cement bilateral traditional friendship and enhance cooperation in various fields so as to achieve common development, said Wen.

 

Highlighting trade cooperation between China and Myanmar as the two countries enjoy complementary economies, Wen proposed the two countries, taking advantage of favorable tariff treatment China has provided, expand bilateral trade and materialize major cooperative projects on energy, resources and infrastructure construction.

 

Wen called on more coordination under such multilateral mechanisms as 10+1, 10+3 and Greater Mekong Sub-region and promoting regional economic cooperation.

 

Wen also encouraged businesses of the two countries to make direct contacts and enhance personnel and technical exchanges.

 

Responding to Soe Win's introduction on the domestic situation, Wen stressed that Myanmar's internal affairs should be solved by its government and people.

 

"As Myanmar's neighboring country, China sincerely hopes that Myanmar could continue to push forward reconciliation at home and realize economic development and social progress," Wen said.

 

Soe Win said the Myanmar government and people appreciate the firm support and selfless help China has offered over the years, and regard China as a sincere friend.

 

The Myanmar government will unswervingly adhere to friendly policies towards China, and sticks to the one-China principle, said Soe Win, adding that Myanmar will join hands with China to enhance the traditional friendship between the two peoples and facilitate the bilateral mutual-beneficial cooperation.

 

Soe Win said he fully agrees with the proposals Wen has made. Myanmar attaches great importance to the bilateral trade and economic cooperation, he said, adding his country will earnestly fulfill the bilateral cooperation agreements of various sectors.

 

Soe Win said Myanmar hopes to expand exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of border trade, technology, infrastructure, exploration of energy resources and personnel training.

 

After their talks, the two prime ministers attended the signing ceremony of a series of cooperative agreements, including agreements on the economy, technology and aviation flights.

 

Starting his China visit on Tuesday, Soe Win will also visit the northwestern province of Shaanxi and southern Guangdong Province. The visit will end on February 18.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2006)