国内英语新闻:Myanmar president praises cooperation with China in flood control, disaster reduction

NAY PYI TAW, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar President U Thein Sein on Friday spoke highly of the cooperation with China in flood control, prevention and disaster reduction, thanking the Chinese government and people for rendering timely assistance during the disaster.

U Thein Sein made the remarks when meeting with the flood-prevention experts group from China's Ministry of Water Resources in Nay Pyi Taw.

Since July this year, most parts of Myanmar suffered severe flood triggered by torrential rainfall, especially the Ayeyawaddy river basin, which was the worst-hit area.

U Thein Sein thanked the Chinese government for its extension of precious relief supplies to Myanmar people in the first hour and Ambassador Hong Liang for personally traveling to the forefront to comfort the victims.

By sending an expert group to Myanmar to launch a flood prevention survey, China is offering practical assistance to Myanmar, he said.

Leader of the Chinese expert group Su Qingpeng expressed willingness to cooperate with Myanmar in technical exchange in the sector to share China's experience in flood control, which he expected will play a positive role in Ayeyawaddy river management.

On Friday afternoon, Myanmar Vice President U Nyan Tun, leading key members of the country's National Disaster Reduction Committee, heard the survey report made by the Chinese expert group, saying that the group's suggestion for a long-term plan for disaster reduction is beneficial and valuable for Myanmar.

He believed that the exchange and cooperation between the two sides will strongly enhance the two countries' traditional friendship.

The Chinese expert group carried out the survey from Oct. 5 to 15 on the irrigation facilities in six regions in Myanamr, namely Yangon, Ayeyawaddy, Bago, Magway, Sagaing and Mandalay.