China to jointly safeguard peace with Myanmar in border areas: FM

NAY PYI TAW -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Wednesday that China is ready to jointly safeguard the peace and stability with Myanmar along their borders.

When meeting with Commander-in-Chief of Myanmar's armed forces Senior-General Min Aung Hlaing, Wang said military exchanges constitute an important part of the brotherly friendship between China and Myanmar.

The two armies should carry on their friendly tradition, which he said is in the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries.

"China supports Myanmar in its efforts to achieve peace through negotiations in northern Myanmar as early as possible," said the Chinese minister. "China is ready to jointly safeguard peace and stability in their border areas."

For his part, Min Aung Hlaing said Wang's visit, the first of a foreign minister to the country after the new government took office, demonstrated the strong willingness of China to further promote its cooperation with Myanmar.

Myanmar has always appreciated the support and help provided by China at hard times, he added.

The general said the Myanmar military is committed to pursuing a friendly policy toward China.

He hoped the two countries would continue to trust, support and help each other as "good neighbors and friends."

On the same day, Wang also met with U Tin Naing Thein, general secretary of the Union Solidarity and Development Party.

Wang arrived here Tuesday for a two-day visit after the new Myanmar government led by President U Htin Kyaw was sworn in on March 30. He met with his Myanmar counterpart Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday.