Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Friday that China will work with the Myanmar side to push forward bilateral relations in line with the principle of "treating neighboring countries as friends and partners."

During a meeting with Maung Aye, vice-chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar, Hu said that China and Myanmar are good neighbors with their people enjoying long-standing friendship.

In recent years the two countries have expanded cooperation in economics and trade, agriculture, resources exploitation and other sectors, bringing practical benefits to the two peoples, Hu said.

The two countries have cooperated in border management and in the fight against narcotics and have cracked down on cross-border crimes, maintaining tranquility and stability in the border areas, he said.

Hu expressed appreciation and thanks for the Myanmar Government's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's reunification cause.

The Chinese Government and people value China-Myanmar friendship and will abide by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and join efforts with Myanmar in implementing the two countries' joint statement so as to further promote bilateral relations, he said.

As a friendly neighbor, China hopes that Myanmar will remain stable, its ethnic groups will live in harmony, its economy will keep growing and the Myanmar people will live in happiness, Hu said.

Hu expressed belief that the Myanmar Government will make the situation in the country develop in a positive and constructive direction.

Maung Aye said the Myanmar-China relationship, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, is a true good-neighborly relationship.

He briefed Hu on his country's economic development and thanked China for its assistance.

He said that the Myanmar Government will dedicate itself to the federal unity and harmony among different ethnic groups to promote development of the country.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2003)