On July 3, H.E. Mr. Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar, held a reception marking his assumption of office in Nay Pyi Taw. Union Minister for International Cooperation U Kyaw Tin, Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, Union Minister for Commerce Dr Than Myint, Union Minister for Planning and Finance U Soe Win, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr Win Myat Aye, Chief Justice of the Union U Htun Htun Oo, Chairman of the Union Civil Service Board U Win Thein, Commander of No.(1) Bureau of Special Operations Lieutenant General Tun Tun Naung, Commander of No.(2) Bureau of Special Operations Lieutenant General Than Tun Oo, Quartermaster-General Lieutenant General Nyo Saw, and more than 200 representatives from Myanmar government, parliament, military, and political parties attended the reception.
In his speech, Ambassador Chen said that he is honored to be the 19th Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar. Myanmar enjoys a long history, splendid culture, rich resources and hard-working people with wisdom. Since I arrived in Myanmar, I deeply feel that this is a fertile land for development and cooperation. I look forward to establishing a good working relationship and personal friendship with all of you, leading the embassy to carry out more fruitful cooperation with you. I hope we would continue to receive support and help from friends from all walks of life in Myanmar.
Ambassador Chen said that in recent years, Myanmar has made steady progress in its political transition and new achievements in economic and social development, as well as international cooperation. China heartily rejoices over the achievements of Myanmar's national development. As a friendly neighbor and Pauk-phaw brother of Myanmar, China firmly supports Myanmar's development path in line with its own national conditions, as well as its steady advancement of political transition. China will continue to play a constructive role in the peace process in Northern Myanmar, stand up for Myanmar on Rakhine issue. It is believed that with the joint efforts of all walks of life and all ethnic groups of Myanmar, Myanmar's internal peace, national reconciliation and development are sure to make new progress.
Ambassador Chen said that China and Myanmar are linked by mountains and rivers, and our Pauk-Phaw friendship is profound. We are a natural community of shared future. The two countries jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and have been supporting and helping each other in our national building and development. In recent years, with the joint efforts of both sides, our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership has developed steadily, and practical cooperation in various fields has deepened, which has brought tangible benefits to the two countries and the two peoples and has made contributions to the regional development and prosperity.
Ambassador Chen said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Next year we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. China-Myanmar relations have entered a new era and are facing new development opportunities. The leaders of the two countries have reached important consensus on carrying forward our Pauk-Phaw friendship and jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC). With the guidance of leaders of the two countries, we are willing to work with Myanmar to promote high-level exchanges and strengthen practical cooperation in the areas of agriculture, tourism and infrastructure under the framework of BRI and the CMEC. China will provide assistance to Myanmar's livelihood causes in the field of education, culture, medical and health services, deepen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and bring China-Myanmar relations to a new level.
U Kyaw Tin welcomed Ambassador Chen to start his tenure in Myanmar and expressed his full support for Ambassador Chen and the Embassy. U Kyaw Tin said that Myanmar and China are traditional friendly neighbors, and the relationship between the two countries has risen from Pauk-Phaw friendship to Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. At present, the two countries are jointly building the BRI and the CMEC, and Myanmar-China relations have entered the best period in history. Myanmar is willing to continue to strengthen cooperation with China in various fields under the framework of the BRI, better serving the common interest of the two countries. As the next year is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China, Myanmar is willing to hold a celebration together with China.
U Kyaw Tin said that China plays a constructive role in advancing the Myanmar national reconciliation and peace process, which is important for safeguarding peace and stability in the border areas of the two countries and promoting cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side provides support and assistance to Myanmar in the fields of education, health, rural construction and poverty alleviation, standing up for Myanmar in international and regional arenas. The Myanmar side is deeply grateful for this. Myanmar is willing to work with China to carry forward our traditional Pauk-phaw friendship, consolidate and deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, and promote the development of China-Myanmar Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The reception enjoyed a warm atmosphere. Diplomats from the Embassy cordially exchanged views with guests from all walks of life and jointly wished the China-Myanmar relationship a brighter future.