China will work with Myanmar to consolidate bilateral traditional friendship and deepen overall cooperation, said a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing Thursday.

Luo Gan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting with First Secretary of  the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council Soe Win.

Luo said the Chinese government treasures bilateral traditional friendship and supports Myanmar's efforts to maintain national stability, realize ethnic reconciliation, develop national economy and expand foreign contacts.

He highly spoke the close contacts and harmonious co-existence between the two sides since ancient times as the two countries are friendly neighbors.

He said since the two countries forged diplomatic ties over five decades ago, bilateral relations have progressed steadily and their exchanges and cooperation in various fields have scored many important results.

Soe Win spoke highly of bilateral relations and said Myanmar regards China as a sincere friend.

He said Myanmar hopes this visit will further promote the development of the relations between the two countries and their armed forces. Myanmar will make positive efforts with China for safeguarding regional and world peace and stability and promoting common development.

Myanmar will continue to adhere to one-China policy, he reiterated.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2004)