With the new year coming, everything takes a new look and presents a new dimension. Upon this auspicious occasion, I would like to, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and in my own name, extend the warmest greetings and best wishes to all Myanmar peoples.
2011 witnessed further development of our bilateral relations. Soon after the inauguration of the new government, Mr. Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference paid a successful visit to Myanmar. President U Thein Sein undertook a state visit to China in late May. At the meeting between President Hu Jintao and President U Thein Sein, the two leaders not only discussed cordially the bilateral relations and issues of commonly concerned, but also decided to establish the China-Myanmar Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. In October, Vice President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo visited China and met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during the 8th CAEXPO held in Nanning. Next visit was followed by the Commander in Chief Gen. Min Aung Hlaing. In late December, Mr. Dai Bingguo, State Councilor attended the 4th GMS Summit held in Nay Pyi Taw. The frequent high-level exchange of visits between the two countries further promoted the political trust and mutually beneficial cooperations between China and Myanmar.
The people to people exchanges also marked fruitful results this year. The North-Eastern part of Myanmar was struck by a strong earthquake in late March, causing great casualties and property damages to the local people. The Chinese people soon offered 500,000 US$ in cash as well as other materials in kind to assist the Myanmar people's rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. The “Brightness Action”, a charitable medical activity sponsored by China, was conducted in May in Yangon. The Chinese doctors undertook free surgeries for 248 Myanmar cataract patients, helping them regain visual visions. In early November, the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe staged charity performances in Myanmar, being awarded the title of “Messenger of Beauty” by the audience. The Troupe also donated all the box office revenue to the Yangon disable people’s vocational schools. In November and December, the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic of China was conveyed to Myanmar for public obeisance for the 4th time, respectively in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay in total of 48 days. Hundreds oo thousands of Buddhist followers lined a long queue everyday and paid their homages to the Sacred Tooth Relic. All those events represented the profound friendship, and exhibited the breadth and depth between the two peoples.
China and Myanmar, linked by common mountains an rivers, shared weal and woe in the history, created the “PaukPhaw” relations, connected with each other by common fate. The Chinese people cherish the long traditional friendship with the Myanmar people, and always take Myanmar as good neighbor, good friend and good partner. Over the years, China tried its best within its capacity to provide assistance for Myanmar’s economic development and livelihood improvement. The Thanlyin Bridge and the Thu Wunna Stadium in Yangon, the Myanmar International Conference Center in Nay Pyi Taw, and the Mini-Myanmar cars running on the streets all demonstrate the special friendship between the two countries. When carrying out mutually beneficial cooperation projects, the Chinese enterprises always bear in mind and spare no effort to fulfill their social responsibilities, constructing roads and bridges, building houses, schools and hospitals, as a contribution to improve the living conditions of the local people.
The Myanmar government and people are now stepping up their efforts in reestablishing democratic system, developing modern economy, eliminating poverty, improving people's lives, and broadening foreign contacts. The Chinese government and people welcome these positive progress and developments and cherish for Myanmar to attain political democracy, economic development and national reconciliation in coming months and years. Since establishing diplomatic relations over 61 years ago, our bilateral relations have withstood the test of the international vicissitudes, remaining unshakable and becoming even stronger and firmer as time goes. I am very convinced that the positive changes taking place in Myanmar will provide new opportunities for deepening friendly cooperation between our two countries. In the coming new year, China is willing and ready to take joint efforts with Myanmar, on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, to further enhance all-round exchanges, consolidate the foundation of friendship and promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partner relations between the two countries.
The coming year is the year of dragon and symbolizes success, according to the Chinese tradition. Let me extend my best wishes for the prosperity and everlasting friendship of China and Myanmar. Wish everyone in Myanmar good health and great success in the new year!