Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in his message published in Myanmar official media on Saturday that his current official visit to Myanmar will bring Japan-Myanmar cooperation to even higher level and serve as an opportunity to lay down a foundation for turning a new page in history.

Abe said he will exchange views with President U Thein Sein in the forthcoming meeting, expected to take place on Sunday in Nay Pyi Taw, and engage in and offer cooperation in four areas.

For strengthening bilateral relations, Abe said Japan attaches the most importance to supporting Myanmar's reform efforts, stressing the need that the current reforms aimed at democratization, national reconciliation, and economic reforms are further promoted and solidified.

For enhancing economic relations, Japan has led the international community in announcing the cancellation of Myanmar' s delinquent debt and is among the first to announce the resumption of full-fledged assistance to Myanmar.

Abe arrived Yangon Friday evening to pay a three-day official visit to the Southeast Asian nation as a Japanese prime minister in 36 years.

During his visit, Abe will also meet with opposition leader and parliamentarian Aung San Suu Kyi and visit planned Thilawa Economic Zone, 25 kilometers south of Yangon, in which three Japanese firms -- Mitsubishi Corp., Marubeni Corp. and Sumitomo Corp. are engaged in the zone development, according to Japanese sources.

Agreement on development of the Thilawa Economic Zone is expected to be signed here during the visit.

Abe will also make speech at Myanmar's Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Yangon.

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