国内英语新闻:China backs political solution to northern Myanmar issue, eyes boosted cooperation

JAKARTA, April 22 (Xinhua) -- China supports efforts to find a political solution to the northern Myanmar issue via peace negotiations, and is willing to promote cooperation with Myanmar, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein here on Wednesday.

During his talks with U Thein Sein on the sidelines of an Asian-African summit, Xi stressed that the Chinese side hopes to see new dynamics of the peace process in Myanmar at an early date.

For his part, U Thein Sein said the Myanmar government is committed to safeguarding peace, stability and personnel safety in northern Myanmar, and will speed up the region's reconstruction while propelling political dialogues.

During their talks, the two leaders also vowed to cement bilateral cooperation and create a favorable social atmosphere for friendship between the two countries.

Xi recalled the two visits made by U Thein Sein to China last year during which the two sides reached broad consensus on advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Myanmar.

He hoped that the two sides could continue making efforts to create new bright spots in bilateral cooperation.

China always regards its ties with Myanmar from a strategic height and with a long-term vision, Xi said, adding that Beijing is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with the Myanmar side.

China, he added, is willing to enhance exchanges with Myanmar on state governance and deepen strategic cooperation.

China appreciates Myanmar's support to such cooperation initiatives as its "Belt and Road" Initiative and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, and will push ahead with connectivity projects under these cooperation frameworks, as well as cooperation in key areas like agriculture, electricity and finance, Xi said.

Vowing China's utmost efforts in continuously providing help for Myanmar's economic and social development, Xi called on the two countries to take the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to cement cultural, educational, youth and media cooperation.

For his part, U Thein Sein thanked China's long-term support and help to Myanmar in various aspects, saying that Myanmar is committed to conducting close contact at all levels with China and enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The Myanmar side supports and is willing to participate in the "Belt and Road" Initiative and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, he said, expressing the hope that China could take part in Myanmar's infrastructure construction via the Silk Road Fund.