The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a reception in Beijing Tuesday to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar.  

Aung Thein Lin, visiting mayor of Yangon, Myanmar's capital, attended the reception.

Addressing the reception, Chen Haosu, president of CPAFFC, said that China and Myanmar have been good neighbors since ancient times and the two countries have maintained brotherly friendship since they forged diplomatic relations 55 years ago.

China and Myanmar have cooperated in a pragmatic way in the fields of trade, energy, mining, telecommunication and agriculture, Chen said, noting that China supports Myanmar's efforts to maintain social stability, promote national reconciliation and expand relations with other countries, and is willing to further cooperation with Myanmar.

Myanmar's Ambassador to China U Thein Lwin said that Myanmar is a true friend of China, adding he hoped the two countries would continue to maintain the friendly relations in future on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2005)