China would like to join with Myanmar to promote comprehensive, stable and lasting relations, Vice President Xi Jinping said Tuesday.

Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcome ceremony in honor of Maung Aye (R), vice-chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 16, 2009. [Ma Zhancheng/Xinhua]

During talks with Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Vice-Chairman Maung Aye, Xi said China valued good-neighborly relations with Myanmar.

He said Myanmar was among the first group of countries that forged diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and Sino-Myanmar relations had maintained good momentum.

Xi also said the two countries should implement on-going projects to boost their economies amid the global downturn.

He stressed that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were the cornerstone of China's diplomacy, and as a good neighbor, China hoped Myanmar would overcome difficulties to achieve stability and prosperity.

Maung Aye expressed gratitude for China's long-term assistance. He particularly mentioned that China sent medical teams after Myanmar was hit by a cyclone last year.

He reaffirmed Myanmar would support China's stance on the Taiwan and Tibet issues.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Maung Aye earlier Tuesday.

Hailing the 60-year diplomatic relationship, Wen said the two nations enjoyed traditional friendship and broad common interests.

Maung Aye said his government valued the relationship with China.

Maung Aye came to China on an official visit scheduled for June15 to 20 at Xi's invitation.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2009)