Myanmar's top leader to visit China

Myanmar's top leader, Than Shwe, will pay a state visit to China from Sept. 7 to 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Thursday.

Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, will visit China at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Jiang told a regular press conference.

During Than Shwe's stay in Beijing, Hu will hold talks with him, Jiang said, adding that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will also meet him.

Than Shwe will also visit the 2010 Shanghai Expo and Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong province, Jiang said.

Jiang said China and Myanmar will review the development of bilateral ties and inform each other of their domestic situation and development strategies.

The two sides will also exchange views on boosting China-Myanmar relations and bilateral cooperation, she said.

They will also discuss international and regional issues of common concern, she added.

Jiang said she believes Than Shwe's visit will contribute to the consolidation of the traditional friendship between the two nations and promote regional peace and development.

Myanmar's peacefulness, stability and progress is in the interests of Myanmar's people and conducive to regional peace and prosperity, Jiang said when asked to comment on Myanmar's general election.

A multi-party general election in Myanmar is set to be held on Nov. 7.

"China hopes to see the election proceed smoothly and the continuous realization of democracy and development in Myanmar," Jiang added.

Source: Xinhua

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