China, Myanmar have productive exchange during Xi’s visit

China and Myanmar exchanged a number of cooperation documents covering such areas as politics, trade, investment and people-to-people communications amid President Xi Jinping’s state visit on Saturday.The exchange ceremony was attended by Xi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The two countries issued a joint statement the same day.In his talks with Aung San Suu Kyi, Xi said the two countries should speed up connecting development strategies and jointly push the building of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.Hailing the corridor as a flagship project for Belt and Road cooperation between the two countries, Xi said the two sides have initiated construction and the project should bring benefits to the people as soon as possible.The two countries should focus on the building of major projects and promote connectivity, Xi said, adding the two sides should integrate the building of roads, railways and electricity projects to formulate a network of connectivity.Xi pointed out China welcomes Myanmar to expand exports to China, and Chinese companies are encouraged to increase investment in Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi welcomed Xi’s state visit to Myanmar, saying the visit was a milestone for bilateral relations.Myanmar would like to promote the building of the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor and enhance cooperation in transport, energy, production capacity, humanitarian and cultural exchanges, border areas and regional affairs, she said.Some countries intend to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries with such excuses as human rights, ethnicities and religions, and Myanmar will never accept such interference, she said, adding Myanmar hoped China would continue to maintain justice for middle and small countries including Myanmar.Noting China is a trustworthy friend to Myanmar, Xi said China always respects the development paths of other countries and upholds the principle of non-interference in other countries’ affairs.China will continue to maintain justice for Myanmar on the international stage, and it supports Myanmar in safeguarding its national sovereignty and legitimate interests, Xi added.