On the morning of April 23, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Chairman of Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Than Shwe in Jakarta.

Hu said that China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors. Since ancient times, the two peoples have conducted close exchanges as brothers. Over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, China- Myanmar relations have stood the fluctuations of international situations and their own domestic situations as well and moved forward constantly. In recent years the high-level exchanges between the two countries remain frequent and their mutual political trust keeps rising. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has achieved fruitful results and both sides maintain coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs. The development of China-Myanmar relations is satisfactory.

Hu noted that to build good-neighborly friendship between China and Myanmar is a major part of China's foreign policy with neighboring countries. We expect to work with our Myanmar friends to carry forward the traditional friendly relations, consolidate the "blood brother" friendship and constantly push forward bilateral relations. On bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Hu said that the cooperation in the major areas of agriculture, HR development, natural resources development and infrastructure construction decided by both sides has made great achievements. We will continue to encourage and support strong Chinese businesses with sound reputation to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation in Myanmar. Both sides can also explore new thoughts, channels and ways of deepening economic and trade cooperation. China will continue to provide help within its own capacity for Myanmar's economic construction.

Than Shwe said that with the careful cultivation of several generations of leaders of both countries the "blood brother" friendship between Myanmar and China gets deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples and the bilateral cooperation harvests fruitful results. The Myanmar people feel sincerely happy about the rapid development of China and appreciate very much the help and support extended by the Chinese government and people. He added that the industrial investment in Myanmar is increasing clearly, which creates favorable conditions for Chinese businesses to invest in infrastructure construction in the country. He also expressed hope that the two countries constantly expand cooperation areas.

Than Shwe also briefed Hu about the domestic situation of Myanmar. Hu said that as a friendly neighbor China supports the Myanmar government's efforts to maintain stability, promote national reconciliation and expand foreign exchanges.