Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met here on Sunday with Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar, pledging to upgrade the two countries' traditional friendship.

Xi said both countries are linked by mountains and waters. The people of the two countries have enjoyed a relationship of brotherhood dating back to ancient times.

The two have maintained frequent high-level contacts. In recent years, both sides have also comprehensively expanded cooperation in economy, trade, energy, culture and people-to-people exchanges and have closely coordinated on international and regional affairs, he said.

Xi also expressed appreciation for the strong support of Myanmar on the issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

"Developing friendly and cooperative relations with Myanmar is an important component of China's foreign policy, and this will not change," he said.

Xi said the two countries are facing a fresh start and a rare opportunity for the relationship between the two countries. Both sides should give full play to the complementary advantages of each other to promote fruitful cooperation of mutual benefits.

He said China has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, and supported the efforts of Myanmar government to safeguard the country's unification and national unity.

Xi sincerely hoped Myanmar would maintain political stability, economic development and national reconciliation.

"China believes the Myanmar side would settle the relevant problems through peaceful ways such as dialogues and consultations so as to guarantee the stability in its border area with China," he said.

Than Shwe said Xi's visit is significant for deepening Myanmar-China ties.

He appreciated China's long-term support to Myanmar's social and economic development.

Myanmar and China share a long borderline. The Myanmar side recognized the importance of safeguarding peace and stability in the border area. The peace and tranquility in the border area between China and Myanmar is a demonstration of the good neighborly friendship and cooperation, added Than Shwe,

He also pledged to continue working with China to ensure peace and development in the border area.

Xi arrived in Yangon on Saturday to start a visit to Myanmar, the third leg of his four-nation Asian tour.