China's top legislator begins visit to Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW - China's top legislator Wu Bangguo arrived here Wednesday, starting an official goodwill visit to Myanmar.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), is to hold separate meetings and talks with Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Representative to the House of Nationalities of the Parliament U Khin Aung Myint, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Thura U Shwe Mann.

This is the first visit to Myanmar by a chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

"Since the two countries established diplomatic relationship in 1950, China-Myanmar ties have withstood the test of vicissitudes of international situations and kept moving forward, setting an example of state-to-state relations between countries of different social systems," said Wu in a written speech upon his arrival.

China-Myanmar relationship has opened a new chapter since the two countries forged comprehensive strategic partnership in 2011, said Wu, believing that his visit will help consolidate traditional friendship, deepen mutually-beneficial cooperation and promote common development between the two countries.

Wu arrived in Nay Pyi Taw after concluding his visit to Iran. Myanmar is the second stop of Wu's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Sri Lanka and Fiji.