January 18, 2020
A ceremony to mark the Myanmar-China 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and launching of Myanmar-China Bilateral Cultural and Tourism Year was held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening, with attendance by President U Win Myint, President of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Xi Jinping and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
On arrival at the MICC-II at 7 pm, President Mr Xi Jinping and his entourage were welcomed by Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat and Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw Mahn Win Khaing Than.
Afterwards, President Xi Jinping greeted chairpersons and representatives of the political parties which have relations with the Communist Party of the PRC.
Next, President U Win Myint, President Xi Jinping, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice Presidents, Speakers of Hluttaws and guests visited the Myanmar-China diplomatic relations photo exhibition jointly staged by the State Council Information of China and Ministry of Information of Myanmar.
Afterwards, President U Win Myint, President Xi Jinping and State Counsellor DawAung San SuuKyi attended the ceremony to mark the Myanmar-China 70th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and launching of Myanmar-China Bilateral Cultural and Tourism Year.
It was also attended by Vice President U Myint Swe, Vice President U Henry Van Thio, Speaker of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and Pyithu Hluttaw U T Khun Myat, Speaker of Amyotha Hluttaw Mahn Win Khaing Than, Chief Justice of the Union U Htun Htun Oo, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the State Constitutional Tribunal U Myo Nyunt, Chairman of the Union Election Commission U Hla Thein, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win, Deputy Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw U TunTun Hein, Deputy Speaker of Amyotha Hluttaw U Aye Thar Aung, Union ministers, the Union Attorney-General, the Union Auditor-General, Chairman of the Civil Service Selection Board, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, senior military officers, chairmen of the Hluttaw affairs committees, Commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, chairpersons and representatives of the political parties, permanent secretaries, departmental officials while the Chinese delegation led by President Xi Jinping was accompanied by State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of PRC Mr. Wang Yi, senior officials, Chinese Ambassador Mr Chen Hai and officials.
Frist, artistes of the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture performed the Pathein Umbrella Troupe Dance titled “Bilateral Diplomatic Relation turns 70 years”.
Afterwards, President U Win Myint, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President of the People’s Republic of China Mr Xi Jinping delivered opening addresses.
In his address, President U Win Myint said
“I am delighted and honored to have this opportunity to speak at the 70th Anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China and the ceremony to launch the Myanmar-China Culture and Tourism Year on such an auspicious evening.
The fact that the two leaders have opened the 70th Anniversary celebration of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries shows the deep friendship between the two countries; apart from that it also shows that 2020 marks an important historic milestone in bilateral relations.
I also wish to express how happy I am to have this opportunity to invite and welcome Your Excellency and the distinguished delegation from the PRC as guests to our country at such an honourable and significant time.
At this auspicious time of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, I believe that this important visit elevates our bilateral relations to a new level and gives a fresh impetus to the cooperation between our two countries.
In 2019 when the founding of the PRC reached its 70th year, it has already achieved successful development in all sectors. Just as Your Excellency has said, the PRC has entered a new era.
Let me say that the efforts undertaken by the PRC for National Rejuvenation and Building a community with a shared future for mankind are noble goals; I believe you will achieve success.
Also, I truly believe that the efforts undertaken by the PRC and the Chinese people to fulfill the two centenary goals under the leadership of Your Excellency will meet with success.
If we look back at the history of our friendship, we find that there have been trade relations between the two countries and our two peoples. Especially during the era of the Tang dynasty and the Pyu period of our country, we have found solid historical records of the exchange of high level delegations.
Our two countries share a long common border and our peoples have a long history of close and friendly relations like brothers and sisters. Just like the line in the poem personally composed by a certain Chinese leader Marshal Chen Yi, “We drink the same waters, I from the source and you from a place down the river”
If we look at the fact that Myanmar was among the first countries that recognized the PRC in 1949, is shows Myanmar places great importance to our neighboring country the PRC. Our two countries established diplomatic relations on 8th June 1950 and the leaders of our two countries have exchanged friendly visits. This is a significant characteristic of the history of our bilateral relations.
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which has been regarded as an important model in the history of international relations was issued as a joint statement after the visit of Prime Minister Chou En Lai in June 1954. Based on these principles, we solved the border problems. In 1960, we were able to sign the border agreements. We were able to sign these agreements because of the mutual respect, mutual understanding, long-term vision and correct decisions of our leaders.
The bilateral relations based on these Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence evolved and reached the level of Strategic Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership in 2011.
If we look at Myanmar-China diplomatic relations, we may observe that this relationship has seen consistent development characterized by visits of leaders, government delegations, and people to people visits. We have also seen the consistent development of cooperation in all sectors resulting in increasing mutual trust and support between the two countries.
At the moment, we can clearly see the bilateral friendship and cooperation developing further under the BRI – Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor of the PRC.
I believe that the BRI – Belt and Road Initiative will result in development of both countries, and greater opportunities and benefits for our two peoples.
Our two countries have acted in close cooperation in the regional as well as in the international arena. The fact that we have provided mutual support to protect the vital interests of our countries shows the friendship and closeness of our relationship.
I wish to express our gratitude for the continued support provided by the PRC for Myanmar’s peace process, national reconciliation and development.
Your Excellency’s visit to Myanmar is your first visit as President of the PRC. Your Excellency’s visit marks the first visit by a Chinese President after a period of 19 years. As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, Your Excellency’s visit may be regarded as a historic milestone in the annals of our bilateral relations.
That is why Your Excellency’s visit has shown to the world the Pauk-Phaw friendly relations that have existed between our two countries for many years.
Your Excellency’s visit will provide added impetus bilateral cooperative projects and collaborative efforts for the uplifting of the socio-economic conditions of our two peoples. These may be regarded as the successful fruits of our 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Furthermore, during the course of 2020, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, events will be organized collaboratively every year in (11) sectors such as political, security, economics, trade, tourism, religion, culture and sports, TV, Information distribution, science and health, education and training, youth and women and think tanks. By organizing these events, the friendship between our two peoples will be consolidated and give deeper meaning to our bilateral relations.
I extend good wishes that the relations between Myanmar and the PRC will endure for many years as we reach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and PRC.
Let me reiterate that we will put strenuous efforts to elevate further our collaborative efforts.
At the same time, I extend good wishes for the success of Your Excellency’s visit.
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s opening speech
Afterwards, State Counsellor Daw Aung San SuuKyi said : we feel very much elated over Your Excellency’s choice for the first oversea visit in the new year 2020 being Myanmar. Your kind visit really highlights your deep consideration on China’s policy of the diplomatic relations towards your neighbouring countries, as well as its harmony.
Moreover, it’s a great privilege for the leaders of the two countries to celebrate together the seventieth anniversary of our diplomatic relationships between the two countries, which marks a milestone of great significance in the history of the relationships between China and Myanmar.
Since forty years ago, the Republic of China has begun to adopt and practise the Reform and the Open Door Policy, and in the present, has reached the stage of the fastest economic development country and second largest economic superpower in the world. As a neighbouring country, Myanmar is proud of having a neighbor which stands as a great country playing an important role in the international affairs and the world economy.
We strongly believe that the Two Century Goals of the People’s Republic of China will be successfully fulfilled under the guidance and leadership of His Excellency. We also hope that the One Belt, One Road Programme and the Silk Road Project, the National Rejuvenation and Building a community with a shared future for mankind, which have been going through the implementation under H.E President Xi Jinping, will bring new forms of positive development to our modern world.
Since the success and prosperity of our neighbouring country China will bring mutual benefits to the neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, we pray for the success of the goals of China.
Since many centuries ago, the people of Myanmar and China have been living in good will and friendship, having strong mutual relations.
Since 8th June, 1950, which saw the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations, good will and friendship between the two nations have gradually been consolidated more and more.
We have now successfully reached from the stage of the good will and friendship between the two countries in the bilateral relationship like our Swe-myo Pauk-phaw to the stage of all round strategic collaboration allies in 2011.
Besides, the visit of Your Excellency has not only consolidated our existing good will and friendship more strongly, but also paved the way for establishing the China-Myanmar community through thick and thin.
The bilateral relations between our two countries is quite unlike the relations with other countries in that we are neighbouring countries sharing long borders. It goes without saying that a neighboring country has no other choice, but to stand together till to the end of the world.
No matter how many changes may have taken place in the political systems of Myanmar, our governments of the successive periods have always not only maintained relations of good will and friendship with our neighbouring country China but also consolidated our bilateral relations.
I am very much pleased that while, in accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence laid down by the two countries, cooperation, collaboration and good will relations have developed more and more, our collaborations have already been made in all sectors.In the present, we have been doing our best, practically carrying out collaborations between the two countries, including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor Project, and other pragmatic cooperation as outlined in your BRI – Belt and Road Initiative.
I believe that in the future also, the success in the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative will bring positive outcomes for the interests of the peoples of our two counties.
The key towards the success of these projects is to build the relationships between the people of the two countries, based on our mutual understanding and trust, and create a peaceful, tranquil environment.
Besides, in implementing these projects, it is very necessary to be in line with the prioritized strategic national development plans of the two countries, to take measures against the damage of the environmental degradation, and to consider the development and contribution of the social life of the people. I truly believe that Your Excellency shares the same views.
Since peace and development go hand in hand, in order to make more success in our ongoing China-Myanmar joint-venture projects, it is very necessary to ensure the peace and political stability between the border regions of the two countries.
We really appreciate your positive contributions towards the peace process, national reconciliation and development of Myanmar. Today is the transitional period in implementing these programmes, and China as a good neighbouring country has always stood with understanding and positive attitudes towards our country, and for this, on behalf of the government and the people of Myanmar, I would express my heartfelt thanks to your government and your people.
We would like to reiterate that Myanmar will always continue to stand in support of the One-China policy, which stands for the main interest of China.
I often draw attention to the fact that the close relations between the people of the two countries is a fundamental factor for the growth of good will and friendship between the two nations. From these close contacts will grow close relationships and understanding, which will lead to the consolidation of bilateral relationships.
Understanding and good will and friendship between the people of the two countries will make contributions towards better bilateral relationships, so it is necessary to build the relationships between the people of the two countries more strongly.
Therefore, I am very much pleased that Year 2020 has been defined as the China-Myanmar Tourism and Culture Year, which I believe will promote the relationships of our people more closely.
I would like to reiterate that Your Excellency’s visit marks opening a new Chapter in the History of our bilateral relationships and collaborations of our two countries.
I pray for every success of the seventieth anniversary ceremonies marking the founding of Myanmar-China diplomatic relationships and the programmes of the China-Myanmar Tourism and Culture Year throughout the year.
On this auspicious occasion, I pray for the perpetuation of the Myanmar-China good will and friendship for generations to come and also for the success of implementing the Myanmar-China community through thick and thin.
The President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, then gave a speech.
He said “President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi both made cordial speeches. We will soon begin the commemoration event for reaching the 70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar as well as the China-Myanmar culture and tourism year together.”
“This is an important milestone in the history of friendly relations between China and Myanmar as well an event that citizens of both nations should partake in. I am overjoyed to witness this historical moment with everyone here.”
“Both our cultures believe in faith. Our nations share close geographical boundaries, our people close relations, and even our cultures are intertwined. Our Pauk-Phaw relation has lasted for thousands of years.”
“This is the source of strength for developing bilateral relations. Successfully holding bilateral diplomatic relations commemorations will increase cultural exchange and deepen interaction between our two peoples.”
“We must nurture people who will participate in practical activities for the people of both nations and increase goodwill in China-Myanmar friendly relations, those who benefit it from it, and supporters in order to strengthen the social foundations that hold up our bilateral relations.”
“We are continuing to write history and we must promote China-Myanmar relations in the modern age as we receive inheritance from our ancestors and forge new paths. We must maintain the correct path while implementing innovations.”
“This journey will be the starting point and we will establish a community that shares burdens, as President U Win Myint agreed as well. An important political agreement is to implement a deep relation that promotes close relations and solidarity between China and Myanmar.”
“We are drawing a future roadmap that will bring to life bilateral relations based on brotherly and sisterly closeness in order to overcome hardships together and provide assistance to each other.”
“I have viewed the photo exhibitions commemorating 70 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries and I saw a documentary photo showing Premier Zhou Enlai visiting Myanmar from 28 to 29 June in 1954. Back then, China, India and Myanmar promulgated Joint Declaration basing relations on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. This was a crucial moment in the history of international relations.”
“The modern world is facing changes it had never seen in a hundred years as the international community begins to share more responsibilities and hardships together every day. However, there is also the noticeable rise in unfairness and inequality in international relations.”
“Preserving peace and driving equitable development are both enormous duties and long journeys. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are not outdated but are even modern in this new situation.”
“I have a wish to urge and encourage China and Myanmar to proliferate the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and become role models of practical implementation and close relations while working hand in hand to establish a society that shares the same destiny.”
“During the attainment of 60 years in the 20th Century, Marshall Chen Yi composed the poem ‘Deepened Phaukphaw relations, flowing from the same river’. I believe that the history of development in close relations and cooperation between China and Myanmar will be just as successful as how the Lancang River in China and the Ayeyawady River in Myanmar course through mountains and forests and overcome numerous obstacles while marching forward at great speed.”
“I conclude my speech by offering my deepest wish for the lasting close relations between our two countries.”
Next, President U Win Myint and Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping inaugurated the Myanmar-China Bilateral Culture and Tourism Year. This was followed by cultural troupes from both countries performing various dances.
After the ceremony, President U Win Myint and President Mr Xi Jinping presented congratulatory flower baskets to the performers and took a documentary photo. —MNA
