On 21 June, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar and the Chinese community in Myanmar jointly held the 4th China-Myanmar Pauk-Phaw Friendship Day Reception at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon. H.E. Mr Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, Union Minister for the Ministry of the Office of the State Counsellor U Kyaw Tint Swe, Chief Minister for Yangon Region Government U Phyo Min Thein ＆ Madame, Chairman of the Union Peace Commission Dr. Tin Myo Win ＆ Madame, Commander of No.(2) Bureau of Special Operations Lieutenant General Than Tun Oo ＆ Madame, former Vice President Dr. Sai Mauk Kham ＆ Madame, former Vice President U Nyan Tun ＆ Madame, Commander of Yangon Command Major General Thet Pone & Madame, Deputy Minister for Commerce U Aung Htoo, Deputy Speaker of Yangon Region Hluttaw U Lin Naing Myin, Myanmar-China Friendship Association Chairman U Sein Win Aung, and more than 500 representatives from Myanmar government, hluttaw, political parties and military as well as diplomats of Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, Chinese community in Myanmar, Chinese companies and students in Myanmar and media representatives attended the reception. Ambassador Chen Hai, Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 4th China-Myanmar Pauk-Phaw Friendship Day Mr Yu Youhai delivered speeches separately.

      Ambassador Chen Hai said in his speech that "Pauk-Phaw" friendship is a special and friendly designation between the the two peoples, which has become an important cornerstone for the steady development of China-Myanmar relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 69 years ago, the relations between the two countries have withstood the test of the wind and rain and have been further cemented. At present, frequent high-level contacts have enriched our political mutual trust. China-Myanmar practical cooperation is yielding rich fruits. Our geographical proximity and Buddhist cultural affinity have promoted the people-to-people exchanges. Our cooperation on international affairs is fruitful, and the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries has been deepening. Next year we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar, and China-Myanmar relations will enter a new era. China attaches great importance to China-Myanmar relations and is willing to uphold the "Pauk-Phaw" friendship, further consolidate political mutual trust and strengthen alignment of our respective development strategies. We will promote the building of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, pushing forward common development of our two countries and building a community of shared future.

      Ambassador Chen said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people are working to deliver on the two centenary goals and realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Myanmar is at the critical stage of national transition. As a good friend, neighbor and Pauk-Phaw brother of Myanmar, China supports Myanmar's development path in line with its own national conditions and is willing to continue to play a constructive role in helping Myanmar achieve domestic peace and national reconciliation at an early date and promote sustainable economic and social development.

      Ambassador Chen Hai said that the Chinese community in Myanmar is the bridge to enhance China-Myanmar friendship and the force to promote Myanmar's stability and development. It is believed that Chinese community in Myanmar will continue to contribute to the development of China-Myanmar relations and the national transition of Myanmar.

      Ambassador Chen Hai said that as the 19th Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, I will lead the embassy to work with the Chinese and Myanmar colleagues and stride in the direction pointed out by the leaders of the two countries, promoting China-Myanmar relations in the new era on the basis of the work done by my predecessors.

      Union Minister U Kyaw Tint Swe welcomed Ambassador Chen Hai's assumption of office and expressed his congratulations on the success of the 4th China-Myanmar Pauk-Phaw Friendship Day Reception. U Kyaw Tint Swe said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 69 years ago, Myanmar and China have been actively implementing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and our bilateral relations have continuously achieved new development. The relationship between Myanmar and China has risen from "Pauk-Phaw" friendship to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. At present, the two sides are working together on the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. In April 2019, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi visited China to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The leaders of the two countries reached a new important consensus on further developing bilateral relations and practical cooperation.

      U Kyaw Tint Swe said that Myanmar is pushing forward the national transition. He appreciated China's help to Myanmar's economic and social development. The Chinese side has expressed its understanding and support to Myanmar's internal peace process and Rakhine issue, and stood up for Myanmar on international arenas, which we are also deeply grateful for. At present, China is Myanmar's largest trading partner and the biggest investor. Myanmar-China cooperation is of great significance to Myanmar's national development. Myanmar is willing to work with China to actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and further promote the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. It is believed that the Belt and Road cooperation will bring new development opportunities and fruits to the countries around the world including Myanmar.

      Chairman Yu Youhai said that the two countries are connected by mountains and rivers and the friendship between the peoples of two countries has lasted for thousands of years. We are “Pauk Phaw” brothers with geographical proximity and cultural affinity. The two countries have developed bilateral relations on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, with frequent high-level contacts and close cooperation in various fields. At present, Myanmar and China are jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. I believe that the cooperation will bring more tangible benefits to the people of Myanmar and China. I hope that the relations between Myanmar and China will continue to develop and the "Pauk-Phaw” friendship will last forever.