Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing see off  Prime Minister General Soe Win on departure for People's Republic of China

Yangon, 14 Feb — At the invitation of Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, General Soe Win, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, and wife Daw Than Than Nwe left here this morning for the PRC to pay an official visit.

They were seen off at the airport by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye and their wives, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein and Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence and their wives, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hla Htay Win and wife, the ministers, Charge d’ Affaires ai of the PRC Mr Yu Boren and officials and departmental heads.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and departmental officials.  

Myanmar thanks China for its firm support as a true friend on issues that  directly connected with interest of Myanmar Prime Minister General Soe Win As good neighbour, Chinese government very much delighted to see Myanmar gaining success in its political, economic and social sectors Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao

YANGON, 18 Feb — Premier of the People’s Republic of China Mr Wen Jiabao held a ceremony to welcome Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe at the north hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 5.15 pm on 14 February.

Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe arrived at the Great Hall of the People from Diaoyutai State Guesthouse by car. At the north entrance, Premier Mr Wen Jiabao warmly welcomed Prime Minister General Soe Win and his wife.

Premier Mr Wen Jiabao presented his entourage to Prime Minister General Soe Win and and wife. Next, Prime Minister General Soe Win presented his entourage to Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao.

While Prime Minister General Soe Win and Premier Mr Wen Jiabao took the salute of the Guard of Honour, the State Band played national anthems of the Union of Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China . Next, they inspected the Guard of Honour.

After the ceremony, they held a discussion at the east hall of the Great Hall of the People. Also present at the discussion were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Hotels and Tourism and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin, Director-General Col Thant Shin of the Prime Minister’s Office, Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence, Director-General U Nyan Lin of the Political Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director-General U Win Maw of the Agricultural Mechanization Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Director-General U Win Kyaw of the Hydro-electric Power Department under the Ministry of Energy, Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and officials.

Premier Mr Wen Jiabao was accompanied by Minister for Railways Mr Liu Zhijun, Minister for Information Industry Mr Wang Xudong, vice ministers, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and senior officers.

At the discussions, Prime Minister General Soe Win said he was paying an official visit to the PRC for strengthening the existing friendship and promoting economic cooperation of common interest between the two countries.

He said establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations has turned 56 years. The two countries maintained the good neighbourly relations based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence during these years. Bilateral relations have improved day after day.

New generation leaders will continue to strengthen deep-rooted Paukphaw friendship laid down by the great leaders of the two countries. Myanmar wishes to promote bilateral cooperation such as political, economic and social sectors and science and technology, the Prime Minister said.

He thanked China for its firm support as a true friend on the issues that directly connected with the interest of Myanmar .

Myanmar fully believes that China will continue to stand by Myanmar with understanding concerning the pressures imposed on her.

He assured that Myanmar has been supporting one China policy and she permanently accepted that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China . Myanmar thanked China for understanding and assistance. Though the two countries share long borders, difficulties encountered could be overcome at the grassroots level, especially eradication and control of narcotic drugs. Progress has been made in normal border trade. As a good neighbouring country, Myanmar will maintain the good tradition, he added.

The government will continue to implement the tasks for emergence of a discipline-flourishing democratic nation in accord with the seven-step Road Map. He explained about the holding of the National Convention.

In connection with economic cooperation, the Prime Minister went on to say that arrangements were made for signing eight economic and cooperation agreements including MoUs. He said there were some projects agreed by the PRC left to be implemented, and he wanted them to be completed as soon as possible.

He also explained clearing the waterway for 20,000-ton vessels to go in and out along the Yangon River in connection with Thilawa Industrial Zone Project, construction of Lashio-Muse Railroad, Glass Factory in Myeik and Tyre Factory in Taikkyi.

In his discussion, Premier Mr Wen Jiabao said the friendship between the two countries has always been cemented as both place emphasis on mutual amity and good neighbourliness. Besides, both countries protect each other's interest.

China praised Myanmar for its continuous support for the One-China policy. China , on its part, has underscored and will continue cooperation with Myanmar . He said the country also has a wish to cooperate with Myanmar in the area of international affairs. It is necessary to stimulate mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries. As a token of showing amity towards Myanmar people, China will pledge 70 million yuan. In addition, US $ 200 million will be loaned at low interest rates. The loans will be used in purchasing oil drilling platform and implementing work projects in Myanmar , he said. Moreover, China has granted tax relief on 133 kinds of goods and provided exemption from 87 kinds of goods from Myanmar . The Chinese government urged the Chinese companies to invest in Myanmar energy sector, said the Premier.

China will provide continued assistance to Myanmar for its establishment of Thilawa Special Economic Zone. China also wants to be a partner of Myanmar in the regional economic cooperation. Particularly, China will provide help to the development of ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and Mekong Basin . It will also implement the already-agreed projects till their completion in cooperation with Myanmar , added the Premier. China has a wish to cooperate in implementing hydro-electric power and railroad projects. Continued assistance will be provided to Myanmar for its building of infrastructures that will improve the country's economy. Myanmar has made progress in its narcotic drug elimination drive. Again, the two countries have seen success in their cooperation in the narcotic drug elimination. As a good neighbour, the Chinese government is very much delighted to see that Myanmar has gained success in its political, economic and social sectors. The Chinese government will never change its policy towards Myanmar , he said. Myanmar ’s internal affairs need to be dealt with by its own government and people. China condemned interference of Myanmar 's affairs and imposition of economic sanctions as well as submission of a report to UN Security Council to take action against Myanmar . China wished the success of Myanmar democratization process. China is giving assistance to Myanmar as a good neighbour, the Premier added.

Later, Prime Minister General Soe Win expressed thanks to his counterpart and extended invitation to the Premier and wife to pay a cordial visit to Myanmar on opportune time. And the Premier thanked him and accepted the invitation.

The ceremony to sign MoUs, agreements and contract notes between the Union of Myanmar and the People’s Republic of China and talks between the Prime Ministers of the two countries took place at Hebei Hall of the Great Hall of the People at 6 pm.

Present on the occasion were Prime Minister General Soe Win and ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to China and departmental heads, Premier of the PRC Mr Wen Jiabao, ministers, vice ministers, the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar and senior officials.

Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce Mr Wei Jianguo signed an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the People’s Republic of China and exchanged the notes.

Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin and Director of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of the PRC Mr Yang Yuan Yuan signed an Air Services Agreement between the Government of the Union of Myanmar and the Government of the People’s Republic of China and exchange the documents.

Afterwards, Ministers for Rail Transportation of Myanmar Maj-Gen Aung Min and Chinese Minister for Railways Mr Liu Zhijun signed an Agreement on the Ministry of Railways of the PRC Donating Passenger Coaches to the Ministry of Rail Transportation of Myanmar and exchanged the documents.

Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Chinese Minister for Information Industry Mr Wang Xudong signed an Memorandum of Understanding on the Construction of Greater Mekong Information Superhighway Myanmar Section between Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs of the Union of Myanmar and Ministry of Information Industry of PRC and exchanged the notes.

Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications and Governor Mr Li Ruogu of the Export-Import Bank of China signed a sub loan agreement, which loaned US dollar 31.50 million to MPT from Exim Bank, PRC and exchanged the documents.

Later, Governor U Kyaw Kyaw Maung of the Central Bank of Myanmar and Governor Mr Li Ruogu of the Export-Import Bank of China signed a loan agreement for urea fertilizer factory project between Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China and exchanged the documents.

Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin of Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications and Chairman Mr Yin Yimin of ZTE Corporation of China signed a supply contract (phase-1) between Myanmar Posts and Telecommunications and ZTE Corporation for Myanmar National Telecommunication Network Construction Project and exchanged the documents.

Director-General U Win Kyaw of Hydro Electric Power Department of the Ministry of Electric Power and Chairman of Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Co Ltd Mr Feng Ke signed a contract for the supply of mechanical and electrical equipment and services for Paunglaung Hydropower Project Phase II, exchanged it and the ceremony ended.

Premier Mr Wen Jiabao hosted a dinner to Prime Minister General Soe Win, wife Daw Than Than Nwe and Myanmar delegation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in the evening.

Also present at the dinner were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and his wife, the ministers, the Myanmar Ambassador to the PRC and departmental officials, the ministers and the deputy ministers from the PRC, the Chinese ambassador and senior officials.

After the dinner, the Myanmar delegation returned to Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe arrive Beijing to pay goodwill visit to China

YANGON, 18 Feb — Prime Mini-ster of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and wife Daw Myint Myint Soe, ministers, and departmental heads, left here by special aircraft of Myanmar Airways International at 7 am on 14 February to pay a goodwill visit to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Premier of the People’s Republic of China Mr Wen Jiabao, and arrived at Kunming International Airport of Yunnan Province of China at 10.30 am local time.

They were welcomed on board the aircraft by Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar to the People’s Republic of China U Thein Lwin and Director-General Madam Zhou Hong of the Foreign Affairs Office of Yunnan Province.

Next, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife and party were welcomed by Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Qing Guan Rong, General Secretary of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province Mr Huang Yi and provincial level departmental officials, Consul-General U Myo Tint and wife Daw Maw Maw Myint, staff and family members of Myanmar Consulate-General in Kunming .

Furthermore, two Chinese girls and two Myanmar children presented bouquets to Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe.

Members of the Myanmar goodwill delegation took rest at the special lounge of Kunming International Airport . General Soe Win and Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Qing Guan Rong held a cordially talk.

The Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister General Soe Win left Kunming International Airport by special aircraft and arrived at Beijing International Airport at 2.45 pm local time. Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and delegation members were greeted by Chinese Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cui Tian Kai.

Next, the Prime Minister took the salute of the Guard of Honour. The Myanmar goodwill delegation members were welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and wife and officials.

Afterwards, Daw Nwe Nwe Han, wife of Myanmar Ambassador U Thein Lwin, Military Attaché Col Sein George and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Oo, staff and families of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office welcomed the Prime Minister and party. Later, the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by the Prime Minister left for Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing .

Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe pay homage to Sacred Buddhist Tooth Relic in Beijing

YANGON, 18 Feb — Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and Myanmar goodwill delegation members arrived at Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple in Beijing at which the sacred Buddhist tooth relic is being kept, at 9 am on 15 February.

They were welcomed by officials of the Chinese Buddhist Association and members.

Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and party paid homage to Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Buddhist Association Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple Sayadaw Ven Sheng Hui and members of the Sangha who are taking security measures of the Buddhist tooth relic.

Sayadaw Ven Sheng Hui explained the history of the sacred Buddhist tooth relic, visits of the tooth relic for public obeisance in Myanmar , and matters related to the Jade Buddha Image donated by Myanmar being kept in the Gandakuti Building of the tooth relic.

Next, the Prime Minister and wife made cash donation towards the fund of the Buddhist tooth relic. The ministers and party also offered alms to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Ven Sheng Hui gave Dhamma gifts to the Prime Minister, wife and party.

The Prime Minister and party paid homage to Buddha images in the Gandakuti Building . The Sayadaws recited religious verses. Prime Minister General Soe Win, wife Daw Than Than Nwe and party paid obeisance to the Buddhist tooth relic and the Jade Buddha Image donated by the Union of Myanmar.

Afterwards, they also paid homage to the Buddha Image donated by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing at Myanmar prayer hall in the precinct of the Gandakuti Building .

They posed for a documentary photo together with Sayadaw Ven Sheng Hui and officials of the Chinese Buddhist Association. Next, they went back to the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

After paying a goodwill visit to the People’s Republic of China , Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and party arrived back home by air this evening.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and their wives welcomed the Myanmar goodwill delegation led by Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe.

Prime Minister General Soe Win calls on President Mr Hu Jintao

YANGON, 19 Feb — Prime Minister General Soe Win called on President of the People’s Republic of China Mr Hu Jintao at Fujian hall of the Great Hall of the People on 15 February.

Present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Hotels and Tourism and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Governor of Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to the PRC U Thein Lwin, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence, Director-General of Political Department U Nyan Lin and officials.

President Mr Hu Jintao was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Li Zhaoxing, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cui Tian Kai, Secretary of the President’s Office Mr Chen Shi Ju, Director-General of Asian Affairs Department Mr Hu Zheing Yue, Chinese Ambassador Mr Guan Mu and senior officials.

At the meeting, President Mr Hu Jintao said he warmly welcomed the official visit to China by Prime Minister General Soe Win. During the visit as the Prime Minister, agreements on bilateral cooperation were signed and the visit was successful.

Prime Minister General Soe Win said he was proud of being given warm welcome by the President. He discussed cooperation of common interest with the Chinese Premier and eight agreements and MoUs were signed. He thanked the President and Chinese leaders for successful visit.

He said the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe conveyed warmest greetings to the President and wished the continued progress of China and his well-being.

During their meeting in Jakarta last April, the President said China would provide more assistance to Myanmar and the Head of State expressed thanks for it.

Myanmar is very pleased to see that the People’s Republic of China has developed with greater momentum and the entire people are participating in development tasks in unity under his leadership.

Today Myanmar government is striving for raising of living standard of the people, emergence of a modern developed democratic nation, stability of the State and gaining better economic foundations and higher intellect of the people.

The Prime Minister said Myanmar thanked China , being a true friend, for its stance and political, economic and social assistance. He also reviewed economic development in China and measures on developing countries undertaken by China .

President Mr Hu Jintao said China thanked Myanmar for its praise of success and China and Myanmar have been good neighbouring countries since the earliest times.

Myanmar included in those countries that first recognized the establishment of the People’s Republic of China . Moreover, the PRC has been dealing with Myanmar under the five principles of peaceful co-existence and friendly ties between the two countries are making progress, he said.

He added that China thanked Myanmar for its support of one China policy. During his meeting with Head of State of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe in the Republic of Indonesia in 2005, they exchanged views and took delight on cooperation in all aspects.

He continued that the friendly relations with Myanmar is the foreign policy of China . China always pays attention to ensuring peace and stability and prosperity of neighbouring countries and respects security, independence and sovereignty of Myanmar .

He said that Myanmar people themselves are to shape their future and opposed the imposition of economic sanctions on Myanmar by foreign nations.

He expressed his belief that Myanmar under the leadership of Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe will make progress in its effort to enhance the living standard of the people.

To further strengthen friendly ties between the two nations, he invited Head of State Senior General Than Shwe to pay a visit to the PRC whenever opportune.

Prime Minister General Soe Win said that Myanmar is a nation that first acknowledged the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and constantly supports the one China policy. It always accepts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China . He also explained about the implementation of the seven-step Road Map, progress of the National Convention that was held up to 31 January 2006 and future tasks.

He added that they will continue to implement the seven-point Road Map phase by phase.

Prime Minister General Soe Win said that it has been for a long time since the President visited Myanmar in 2000 coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Establishing the Diplomatic ties between Myanmar and the PRC. He conveyed the message of Senior General Than Shwe, inviting the Premier to visit Myanmar on opportune time.

Chinese President Mr Hu Jintao responded that he heartily accepted the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe to visit Myanmar .

Myanmar supports right of China to safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity, promulgation of China Anti Secession Law
Prime Minister General Soe Win
China will always support Myanmar ’s efforts for safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, national character
Mr Wu Bangguo

YANGON, 19 Feb — Prime Minister General Soe Win called on Mr Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 5 pm on 15 February.

Together with the Prime Minister at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Hotels and Tourism and for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to PRC U Thein Lwin, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence and Director-General of Political Department U Nyan Lin. Together with Mr Wu Bangguo were Vice Secretary-General Mr Cao Weizhou of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, Chinese Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cui Tian Kai, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and high-ranking officials.

First, Mr Wu Bangguo said I believe that the visit of the Prime Minister will further strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Next, the Prime Minister said Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and Vice-Chairman Vice-Senior General Maung Aye had conveyed the message of warm greetings to Mr Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress.

The Prime Minister said: I would like to extend invitation to you to pay a visit to Myanmar as it has been long since you visited the country in 1997. Every time we pay a visit to the People’s Republic of China we witness that your country is developing with added momentum. It is heartening to see that the National People’s Congress is prescribing laws so as to catch up with the development of the nation. In Myanmar also, the government is striving to ensure peace and stability of the State, national solidarity and development of economic infrastructures. Our country lagged behind in development as a result of armed insurgencies that broke out due to colonialists’ instigation when they ruled the country for over 100 years.

However, our nation strove to build national consolidation and ensure peace and stability of the State. Now the seven-step Road Map is being implemented to shape a peaceful, modern, discipline-flourishing democratic nation. The National Convention, the first and most important step of the Road Map, is now in session with the participation of diverse national races. The previous sessions of the National Convention discussed detailed basic principles on the sharing of legislative, judicial and executive powers, connections between hluttaws and the role of the Tatmadaw. The upcoming sessions of the National Convention will discuss the remaining eight sectors. Measures will be taken step by step to write a constitution in accord with the adopted basic principles and to hold referendum. Myanmar has always supported the ‘one China policy’ and accepted that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China . Myanmar also supports the right of China to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and promulgation of China Anti Secession Law.

In his speech, Mr Wu Bangguo said first of all, I would like to extend warmest greetings to Senior General Than Shwe. The leaders of the two countries have maintained and fostered the Sino-Myanmar friendship in the course of history. Friendly ties between the two nations have been furthered although there have been changes in the international situation and our domestic affairs as we have maintained the good neighborly relations based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence. China values independence, sovereignty and national character of a nation. As regards the issue of Taiwan , it is associated with the sovereignty and national character of the PRC. We are proud and delighted to know that Myanmar supports our Anti Secession Law. China , on its parts, will always support Myanmar ’s efforts for safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and national character. We believe that Myanmar will be able to achieve the goal of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

Later, Prime Minister General Soe Win said we gain experiences and knowledge from your discussions and we will continue to try our utmost for the well-being of the State and the people. I would like to conclude that I will convey the friendship and amity of the Chinese leaders and the people to our country.

Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe tour Xian of Shaanxi Province

YANGON, 19 Feb — Accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and wife and officials, Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and Myanmar delegation members left Diaoyutai State Guesthouse by car at 8.15 am on 16 February for Beijing International Airport to continue their goodwill visit to Xian of Shaanxi Province.

The Prime Minister and wife greeted Chinese officials and staff and family members of the Myanmar Embassy and the Military Attaché’s Office.

Next, they left Bejiing by special flight of China Eastern Airlines and arrived Xian at 10-15 am. Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe were welcomed at Xianyang International Airport in Xian by Secretary-General of the Shaanxi Province Government Mr Zhuang Chang and officials.

Two Chinese girls presented the bouquet to the Prime Minister and wife.

At BYD Auto Co Ltd at New Industrial Park in Xian, General Manager of the company Mr Liu Zhenyu and officials welcomed the Myanmar delegation and explained installation of the panel line at CNG vehicles. Next, the officials conducted the delegation members round fitting of car parts and production process of CNG vehicles.
The Prime Minister observed functions of engines and machines at the vehicles that can be run with both petroleum and CNG, and installation of CNG cylinder at the vehicle. Officials explained matters related to CNG cylinder and its parts.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude and presented gifts to the general manager.

In the afternoon, General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and party proceeded to Fa Men Si Temple, 140 kilometres from Xian by car.

They paid homage to the ancient pagoda and the Buddha image in the precinct of Fa Men Si Temple. Sayadaw Ven Xue Cheng and members of the Sangha recited Dhamma Desanas and presented Dhamma gifts to them.

Sayadaw Ven Xue Cheng explained the place where the forefinger of the Lord Buddha was unearthed. Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and party paid homage to the forefinger.

The pagoda in the precinct of Fa Men Si Temple is over 1,000 years old. In renovating the pagoda in 1987, the forefinger of the Lord Buddha was discovered. The stone inscriptions concerning the forefinger were also found.

Next, the Prime Minister and wife and party paid homage to Buddha images at the Dhammayon and posed for documentary photo with Sayadaw Ven Xue Cheng and members of the Sangha and officials of the temple.

At the museum in the temple precinct, they observed stone inscriptions unearthed together with the forefinger and gold threads donated by kings of Tang dynasty.

The Prime Minister signed in the visitors’ book of the museum.

The curator presented a souvenir to the Prime Minister. Next, the Prime Minister, wife and party viewed round documents related to the forefinger, royal regalia of kings of Tang dynasty, ancient glassware, ironware and ceramicware.

On 17 February morning, they visited Qin Massed Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum . Curator Mr Lei Yu Ping and officials explained the place where terra-cotta warriors and horses were excavated and maintenance of the museum.

The Prime Minister and party viewed terra-cotta warriors and horses and ancient bricks. Officials explained rankings of terra-cotta warriors.

Next, they observed further excavation of terra-cotta warriors, uniforms of the archer and the colonel level person and royal regalia.

Officials of the museum explained bronze cavalry soldier statue, arms of soldiers, the coach with four horses, bronze goose statues, and other artifacts. Next, the Prime Minister and wife and party had a documentary photo taken.

Prime Minister General Soe Win signed in the visitors’ book and presented gifts to the curator.

The terra-cotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1976, and further excavation are being undertaken.

Prime Minister General Soe Win goes on study tour of Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall in China

YANGON, 19 Feb — Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar and members of goodwill delegation went on a study tour to Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall in the People's Republic of China on 15 February.

At the outset, Prime Minister General Soe Win and members were welcomed there by Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall In-Charge Madam Zhaoli and officials.

At the hall, Madam Zhaoli explained that Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall started to be built in September of 2003 and opened in September of 2004. One year after opening the hall, there had been more than 1 million of visitors including guests from abroad and presented a movie reflecting condition of old Beijing and modern developed Beijing.

Next, officials conducted the Prime Minister and party around bronze-shaped scale model of Beijing in 1949 displayed on fourth floor of the hall. At the same time, officials explained to them scale models on Beijing coming 2008, sports grounds, gymnasiums and an international airport in Beijing to be opened in 2007.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party observed scale models on old palace in Beijing as well as economic and trade centres and advanced science and technology and scale model of future Beijing .

After that, Prime Minister General Soe Win and party and Chinese officials posed for a documentary photo.

Next, Prime Minister General Soe Win signed in the visitors' book at Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.

Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province calls on Prime Minister General Soe Win

YANGON, 19 Feb — Vice Governor Mr Zhao Zheng Yong of Shaanxi Province of the People’s Republic of China called on Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar at Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel in Xian of Shaanxi Province at 6.45 pm on 16 February.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planing and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Hotels and Tourism and for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and departmental heads.

Vice Governor Mr Zhao Zheng Yong was accompanied by Farmers & Workers’ Democratic Party of Shaanxi Province Chairman Ms Zhu Jingzhi and officials of the province.

At the call, Vice Governor Mr Zhao Zheng Yong said that Shaanxi Province warmly welcomes the Myanmar goodwill delegation. He believes the goodwill visit will contribute much toward the friendship between China and Myanmar . He said that Shaanxi Province is located in the western part of the People’s Republic of China . A majority of kings established the Chinese dynasty in the Shaanxi Province . And the province is rich in cultural heritage.

He added that the Government had laid down and has been implementing the western region development policy since 1999, and the province meets development. The local authority had laid and is implementing a five-year plan for development of the province.

He continued to say that Shaanxi Province has natural resources such as oil, natural gas and coal. Advanced technologies are being applied to production of finished goods as well as those in industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, progress has been made in the tourism industry that attracts over 1 million of tourists from abroad and 4.6 home-grown visitors annually. He said that Shaanxi Province has a wish to cooperate with Myanmar in the agricultural sector.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said that he had heard the news of progress in many sectors of Shaanxi Province , particularly in the tourism industry. The province is wealthy of ancient cultural heritage as ancient kings established their dynasty in the province. It can see that ancient cultural heritages is being maintained systematically. He said that he take a pride in his tour of the province.

He noted that two peoples in Myanmar and China enjoy a special traditional “Paukphaw” (fraternal) friendship. Hence, friendship between the two countries has always been cemented for many years. Today, both countries are undertaking cooperation in the economic sector.

He said that he knew the Chinese leaders have a wish to further strengthen friendly relations between the two countries and to promote cooperation in the economic sector. Likewise, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe and officials want to enhance cooperation in economic sector with China .

He asserted that they had decided to implement wishes of the leaders of the both countries. At present, the plans had been laid down and utmost efforts are being made for development of Myanmar . Now, Myanmar is practising the market-oriented economic system. Permissions has been given to private entrepreneurs. The Government is striving for growth of the State economy, based on agricultural sector. In addition, tasks of industrial development are being implemented.

The Prime Minister said that Myanmar is rich in water and land resources. The nation has many places where land can be reclaimed as large farmlands. Offshore of the nation brings a great wealth of natural gas. The Government had built basic infrastructures that will contribute to economic development.

He added that Government had decided to perform development of the nation and to build a modern nation. At present, those from abroad invest in businesses in Myanmar .
Special Industrial Park (Thilawa) Project site is located near Yangon City . He invited entrepreneurs from Shaanxi Province to invest in interested regions including the special industrial park. Today is time to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

After the call, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and Myanmar delegation members were hosted a dinner by Vice Governor Mr Zhao Zheng Yong of Shaanxi Province at Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel.

Experts, entrepreneurs from PRC invited to invest in Myanmar Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife  Daw Than Than Nwe tour Guanzhou, Shenzhen

YANGON, 20 Feb — Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and Myanmar goodwill delegation members together with Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu and wife and officials left Xian of Shaanxi Province on 17 February and arrived at Guanzhou of Guangdong Province by special aircraft of China Eastern Airline.

Myanmar goodwill delegation members were welcomed at Baiyun International Airport by Executive Vice Governor of Guangdong Province Mr Tang Binquan, Vice Mayor of Guanzhou Mr Chen Mingde and officials. Two children presented bunch of flowers to the Prime Minister and wife.

The Prime Minister and wife, the Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province and the Vice Mayor of Guanzhou and party posed for documentary photos. Myanmar goodwill delegation members arrived at China Hotel. In the evening they toured Guanzhou Science City and got to Guanzhou Technological Innovation Base where they were welcomed by members of the board of directors.

Member of the board of directors Mr Deng Youman explained location and area of the city, establishment of the city, assistance of central government and province, investors, fulfillment for intellectuals in the city, establishment of the city without any harm to the environment, experiences, research, increase of investments from abroad and achievements to the Prime Minister and party. The Prime Minister asked some facts.

Guanzhou Science City was established in December 1998 in the east of Guanzhuo. It is 3,734 square kilometres wide. The City runs computer and software industry, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, photo-electronics and metallurgy are concentrated in the city. It is the science city that will serve as technological cutting-edge for future development.

The Prime Minister and party visited the steel mill of Lianzhong Stainless Steel Corporation where Chairman Mr Lee reported on establishment of the mill, investment and production of steel sheets. They were conducted round the production process at the mill. The Prime Minister and the chairman exchanged gifts. With the use of modern equipment the steel mill produces 800,000 tons of various kinds of steel sheets whose thickness ranges from 0.3 mm to 10 mm.

On 18 February, the Prime Minister and party went to Shenzhen High Tech Industry Park in Shenzhen where Vice-Mayor Mr Zhuo Qinrui and members of the board of directors of Shenzhen High Tech Industry Park welcomed them.

The Vice-Mayor extended greetings to Myanmar goodwill delegation members. Director Mr Lim reported on establishment of the park and development with audio-visual aids. Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and U Soe Tha asked some questions. The Vice-Mayor and Director Mr Lim replied to the queries.

The Vice-Mayor said that Shenzhen has greatly developed with the introduction of open door policy of the People’s Republic of China . The central government of China designated Shenzhen as a pilot region to gain economic progress. According to the experiences, reforms were made very often for economic progress. Fifty two per cent of the companies are high tech-applied ones.

The Prime Minister thanked them for the clarifications. As Myanmar also has industrial zones, he invited experts and entrepreneurs to make investment in Myanmar . He observed modern equipment for fitness, high quality medicines, communication equipment and computers produced in Shenzhen.

Next, the Prime Minister signed in the visitors’ book. Members of Myanmar goodwill delegation went to 384-metre high Meridian View Centre, the highest tower in Shenzhen. They viewed development of the city from the 69th storey.

The Prime Minister and wife and party arrived at Wuzhou Guest House in Shenzhen at 11.40 am. Mayor Mr Xu Zongheng called on the Prime Minister at 11.45 am. At the call, the mayor briefed on economic and social affairs of the town, use of advance science and technology in Shenzhen Economic Zone, transport, stock market and tourism services and arrangements for future five-year plan. Next, the Prime Minister explained the strengthening of friendship between the two countries, economic cooperation, efforts being exerted for economic progress of Myanmar , opportunities for economic cooperation with Myanmar and Chinese entrepreneurs’ investment in economic sector. Then they exchanged gifts and posed for a documentary photo.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and wife and party went to Shenzhen International Airport to leave for home. They were seen off by the Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar and wife, the deputy mayor, Myanmar Ambassador U Thein Lwin and wife and officials.

Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, who were members of the Myanmar goodwill delegation, received Assistant Minister for Commerce Mr Chen Jian and party at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Hall-14 in Beijing at 2 pm on 15 February.

Also present at the call were Foreign Economic Relations Department Director U Maung Maung Khin and officials. Minister U Soe Tha also received Vice President Mr Zhimin Li of Sinosteel Corporation at the same venue in the afternoon.

Similarly, member of the delegation Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received President of China National Offshore Oil Corporation Mr Fu Chengyu and China National Petroleum Corp President Mr Chen Geng at Hall-12 on 15 February. They discussed energy cooperation between the two nations.

Likewise, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received China Telecommunications Corporation Director Mr Liang Niu at Hall-14 on 15 February afternoon. They discussed cooperation of communication sector. Also present on the occasion were Myanma Posts and Telecommunications Managing Director U Maung Maung Tin.

Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min received Chinese Assistant Railway Minister Mr Lu Dongfu at Hall-14 on 15 February. Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min said rail transport service in Myanmar is being upgraded. He called for a close cooperation of rail transport sector between the two nations. He also thanked the PRC for its donating 130 rail coaches. Mr Lu Dongfu explained improvement of rail transport services in China , construction of railroad from Kunming in Yunnan to Tali, plans to build railroad up to Shweli, the border of the two countries and survey to be conducted for construction of railroad up to Lashio.

Minister Maj-Gen Aung Min also received China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corp (Group) President Mr Li Zhimin at the same venue. They discussed production services at Myitnge concrete sleeper factory jointly owned by Myanma Railways and China National Complete Plant Import & Export Corp (Group). The factory produces 300,000 sleepers a year.

Leaders of both nations wish to cement friendly ties and extend cooperation Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong   Province hosts dinner in honour of Prime Minister General Soe Win, wife and delegation

YANGON, 20 Feb — Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China Mr Tang Bingquan called on Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar at Crystal Ballroom of China Hotel in Guangzhou at 6.30 pm on 17 February.

At the meeting, Mr Tang Bingquan said he warmly welcomed Prime Minister General Soe Win and delegation’s visit to Guangzhou in Guangdong Province , and honoured Myanmar Prime Minister for the success of the goodwill visit. He expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two nations.
He said, Guangdong Province located in the southernmost part of China has a population of over 80 million. Thanks to the economic reforms, Guangdong Province is enjoying economic progress.

During a period of 27 years the total investment amount of Guangdong Province was one-fourth of the total investment volume of the entire nation. Its income during the previous fiscal was one-fourth of the nation’s income. Its export volume accounted for one-fourth of the total export value.

Of all the provinces of the PRC, Guangdong is the province enjoying social stability and economic development to the highest degree, and that has the largest investment. The province is gaining success thanks to the assistance and support of the friendly nations including Myanmar . The province will strive for achieving further progress.

The province has given priority to cooperating with other nations including Myanmar . There is cooperation between business companies of China and Myanmar . The companies of the province are investing in Myanmar , especially in the tourism business.

Prime Minister General Soe Win said, Myanmar delegation thanked the host for its warm welcome. Myanmar and Guangdong Province have long-lasting bilateral relations. Myanmar delegation is happy to hear the economic progress of the province. Guangdong Province was designated as a model province when PRC launched economic reforms in 1978.

Myanmar has been laying down and implementing national development projects, and thanks to the efforts, the nation is now enjoying the fruits of progress.

In launching its economic drive, Myanmar has been cooperating with the neighbours, especially the PRC, that is its close friend. Myanmar is rich in land and water resources and mineral, oil and gas. But Myanmar still needs technological know-how. Myanmar invites entrepreneurs of the province to study economic opportunities, and also invites investments. Myanmar will provide assistance and legal protection for the investors.

Leaders of both nations wish to cement friendly ties and extend cooperation. New generation leaders will have to strive to translate the wish into reality.

After exchanging souvenirs, Prime Minister General Soe Win and Executive Vice-Governor Tang Bingquan posed for documentary photos.

Also present were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Hotels and Tourism and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to PRC U Thein Lwin, Director-General of Prime Minister’s Office Col Thant Shin, Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Thura U Aung Htet, Brig-Gen Kyaw Kyaw of the Ministry of Defence, Director-General of Political Department U Nyan Lin, Director-General of Mechanized Farming Department U Win Maw, Managing Director of Myanma Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin, Col Tin Wai of Defence Ministry and officials.

Together with Mr Tang Bingquan were PRC Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Guan Mu, Secretary General of Guangdong Province Government Mr Xu Shangwu, the Vice-Mayor of Guangzhou and officials.

Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province Mr Tang Bingquan hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and delegation.

After the dinner, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and delegation enjoyed the night scene of Guangzhou aboard a cruise vessel on Pearl River .

Higher education standard of the State will be able to shape new modern developed nation Prime Minister General Soe Win meets family members of Myanmar Embassy, Military Attaché’s Office, scholars in Beijing

YANGON, 19 Feb — Prime Minister General Soe Win of the Union of Myanmar and wife Daw Than Than Nwe and goodwill delegation members went to Myanmar Embassy in Beijing of the People’s Republic of China , where they were welcomed by family members of Myanmar Embassy, Military Attaché’s Office and scholars at 6 pm on 15 February.

Upon arrival at Myanmar Embassy, the Prime Minister presented souvenirs to Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin, Military Attaché’ Col Sein George and two scholars who are pursuing further studies.

In meeting with family members of Myanmar Embassy, Military Attaché’s Office and scholars, Prime Minister General Soe Win said that he and his goodwill delegation members were in China to further strengthen Myanmar-China ties existed throughout their history and cooperate in all aspects. China ’s development measures drive should be an example to all and China has already reached on the right track. The Government was trying to build a peaceful developed nation. Now, development of the State had been witnessed thanks to the guidance of the Head of State and work efficiency of the service personnel. The people had already enjoyed fruits of development. Only higher education standard of the State would be able to shape a new modern developed nation. The Government was rendering assistance to improve human resources. The scholars pursuing further studies in China were to be proficient in their respective subjects. A next generation would have to build a new State. Family members of Myanmar Embassy and Military Attaché’s Office were to promote mutual understanding and interests between the two nations.

Next, Myanmar Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin and wife hosted a dinner in honour of Myanmar goodwill delegation members.

After the dinner, Prime Minister General Soe Win and wife and delegation members returned to Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

MWAF’s President meets ACWF’s Chairperson

YANGON, 20 Feb — President of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Prime Minister General Soe Win, on 15 February met with Chairperson of All China Women’s Federation Madame Gu Xiulian in Beijing.

Also present were member of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation Daw Myint Myint Soe, Daw Nwe Nwe Han, wife of Ambassador of Myanmar to the People’s Republic of China and officials.

After the meeting, they had a documentary photo taken and exchanged gifts.

MWAF’s President holds talks with GWF’s Chairwoman

YANGON, 20 Feb — Daw Than Than Nwe, wife of Prime Minister General Soe Win and President of Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation on 17 February met with Chairwoman of Guangzhou Women’s Federation Ms Li Jin at the building of GWF in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and discussed matters on women’s affairs.

Also present were Member of MWAF Daw Myint Myint Soe, Daw Nwe Nwe Han, wife of Myanmar Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China , and officials.

After the meeting, Daw Than Than Nwe and party visited the training centre of GWF.