China says it is willing to work together with Myanmar to deepen traditional friendship and expand cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Premier Wen Jiabao made the remarks while meeting with Myanmar Prime Minister U Thei Sein in the country's capital of Naypyitaw on Thursday. Premier Wen Jiabao also held talks with Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council.

During his meeting with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein, the Chinese Premier spoke highly of the prospects of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Wen Jiabao says both China and Myanmar effectively offset the impact of the global financial crisis last year, pushing bilateral trade to a new high.

He points out that in the next phase, the two sides need to have key cooperation projects well-planned, and accelerate the interconnection between the two countries' facilities.

He says that China and Myanmar should make sure that major cooperation deals in fields such as energy and transport be implemented in a good and timely manner.

The Chinese premier also hailed the sound development of bilateral ties, adding China is willing to provide help to Myanmar' social and economic development.

For his part, Thei Sein expressed Myanmar's will to push bilateral relations to a new high.

He also spoke of the progress Myanmar has made in its efforts moving towards democracy and the preparations for this year's elections.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a number of cooperative deals and attended celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The same day, the visiting Chinese Premier also held talks with Senior General Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council.

Wen Jiabao says China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, which have brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

He says that the consensus and agreements reached with Myanmar during his visit mark a step forward in bilateral ties.

Thei Sein expressed Myanmar's will to maintain high-level contacts, enhance mutual trust and boost cooperation with China.

Myanmar is Wen Jiabao's last leg of his four-nation Asia tour, which has taken him to South Korea, Japan and Mongolia.

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