Premier Li Keqiang met with visiting Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on August 18.

He said China appreciates the new Myanmar government’s efforts to attach great importance to the Sino-Myanmar relationship, as Suu Kyi chose China as the first country besides the ASEAN to make an official visit since she became state counselor.

The Premier said China supports Myanmar’s efforts in national reconciliation, economic development and improving people’s livelihood. He also said China is ready to maintain mutual respect, strengthen political trust and further boost bilateral ties, thus promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Talking about pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, Premier Li said China would like to join hands with Myanmar in promoting key projects — including the Myitsone Dam and the Sino-Myanmar oil-gas pipeline — while also enhancing cooperation between both countries’ development programs, infrastructure construction and interconnectivity.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of China-ASEAN dialogue, so China would like to take it as an opportunity to further develop its relationship with the organization,” the Premier said, adding that China is willing to foster cooperation with Myanmar and other ASEAN countries.

Suu Kyi said the new government attaches great importance to the Sino-Myanmar relationship and appreciates China’s assistance with Myanmar’s social and economic development.

She also said Myanmar is willing to keep high-level interactions with China, further promote the pragmatic cooperation in fields such as energy and resources, and expand exchanges and cooperation in fields such as border trade, agriculture, healthcare and education.