January 18, 2020
President U Win Myint welcomed Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping, who is here on a State Visit, with a welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening.
President Mr Xi Jinping arrived at the Presidential Palace at 4:15 p.m. and was cordially welcomed by President U Win Myint. They then took the salute of the Guard of Honour and inspected them before introducing their respective delegations.
After this, they held a meeting at the Credentials Hall and openly discussed on mutual respect, understanding to strengthen relations, all-round strategic cooperation and striving to reach a community that handles hardships together, implementing commemorations of 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations in a festive and beneficial way.
They also discussed increasing cooperation between the people of both nations for socioeconomic benefits, implementing development, stability and peace along shared borders, further increasing existing successful cooperation through understanding, increasing trade and accepting increased Myanmar exports, cooperating on mutually beneficial cooperation for the BRI project and Myanmar-China Economic Corridor, and acquiring the trust and support of local residents when implementing projects.
Accompanying President U Win Myint at the meeting were Union Ministers Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe, Lt-Gen Sein Win, U Min Thu, Dr Aung Thu, U Win Khaing, U Thaung Tun and U Han Zaw, Myanmar Ambassador to China U Myo Thant Pe and other officials.
President Mr Xi Jinping was accompanied by Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs and member of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Mr Wang Yi, senior officials and Chinese Ambassador Mr Chen Hai.
Later in the evening, President U Win Myint hosted a state dinner for the Chinese President and delegation at the Presidential Palace.
State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice President U Win Myint, Vice President U Henry Van Thio, Union Ministers, Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman and other officials also attended the dinner.
President U Win Myint then delivered a speech at the state dinner.
In his speech, he said on behalf of Myanmar government and people, I warmly welcome Your Excellency President Mr Xi Jinping and all the distinguished delegation members of the People’s Republic of China. I am very pleased to host this dinner to honour your visit to Myanmar.”
“We are proud that your first overseas state visit in 2020 is to Myanmar. Your visit also highlights to promote friendly relations and cooperation between Myanmar and China.”
“Moreover, this year is the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China. Your visit to Myanmar at this auspicious time would become a historic monument to attain the next level of Myanmar-Sino relations.”
“Myanmar is very pleased to witness the multi-sectoral development and success of the People’s Republic of China thanks to the country and its people in the past seven decades.”
“As Myanmar and China are very close neighbours with long border lines, the two countries could promote close cooperation and partner relations based on mutual respect and understanding in line with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in successive eras despite changing situations in the world. “
“Myanmar also appreciates the support of People’s Republic of China for the success in peace-making processes and development programmes during the transition period of Myanmar. I deeply wish you could enjoy good results and pleasant experiences during the visit to Myanmar.”
“Your Excellency President Mr Xi Jinping and distinguished guests, I would like to extend these good wishes and blessings to all of you. May friendly relations between Myanmar and China endure for a long time. May the People’s Republic of China enjoy lasting development and prosperity. May all our distinguished guests present on this auspicious have good health and prosperity. Thank You.”
Next, Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping delivered a speech. He said: “I am very glad to pay this state visit to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar at the invitation of President U Win Myint. Upon my arrival in Nay Pyi Taw, I want to extend, on behalf of the government and people of China, warm greetings and best wishes to the government and people of Myanmar.”
“China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors linked by the same mountains and rivers, and our people enjoy a profound Pauk-Phaw friendship. Since the establishment of our diplomatic ties 70 years ago, we have championed and acted upon the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and made steady progress in our exchanges and cooperation across the board. Together, we have delivered real benefits to our people and contributed substantially to peace, stability and prosperity in the region.”
“During my visit, I look forward to having in-depth discussions with leaders of Myanmar on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest to carry forward our Pauk-Phaw friendship and strengthen our comprehensive strategic cooperation. I am convinced that the concerted efforts of our two sides will make this visit a success and take the bilateral ties to a new level and into a new era.”
Afterwards, President U Win Myint, Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping, State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and invited guests had dinner together. — MNA (Translated by Aung Khin, Zaw Htet Oo)
