During Chinese President Jiang Zemin's visit to Myanmar, the two sides will lay emphasis on the further development of bilateral relations in the new century, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in Beijing Tuesday.
Jiang will pay a state visit to Myanmar from December 12 to 15 at the invitation of Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar.
Zhang said the two sides will also exchange views one regional and international issues of common concern.
Zhang said that China and Myanmar are traditionally friendly neighbors. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between them, the bilateral relations have progressed smoothly.
China has always attached great importance to developing good-neighborly relations with Myanmar, and the two states' leaders enjoy a good tradition of exchanging visits, Zhang noted.
President Jiang's visit to Myanmar is a return visit for Than Shwe's China trip, and is aimed at enhancing understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two countries, according to Zhang.
(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2001)
