On the morning of January 8, 2003, Vice President Hu Jintao met with Than Shwe, Chairman of Myanmar's State Peace and Development Council at the Great Hall of the People.

He highly evaluated China-Myanmar relations. He said that as friendly neighbors sharing common borders and the two peoples have formed deep pawkphaw during the long-term history of friendly exchanges. He noted that Myanmar is one of the earliest countries that established diplomatic relations with China after the founding of the People's Republic of China. He said that in the more than 50 years of diplomatic ties, China-Myanmar relations, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, have withstood the test of international and domestic changes, made steady progress and displayed great vitality under the concern and promotion of the leaders from both countries. He also said that bilateral cooperation in various fields has continued to grow and has reaped positive results. He voiced China's appreciation for the Myanmar government's One China policy and support for China's reunification cause.

Hu stressed that to further strengthen good-neighborly friendship and cooperation is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and their common aspiration, and conducive to regional peace, stability and development. He added that China's new leadership will continue to follow guidelines for good-neighborly friendship and cooperation, and will always consider Myanmar a good neighbor, friend and partner, to make joint efforts with Myanmar to deepen reciprocal cooperation in various fields and to create an even more beautiful future of bilateral relations.

Upon request, Hu also briefed Than Shwe on the reform and opening up situation in China during the meeting.

Than Shwe again congratulated Hu on his assuming the position of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) at the 16th CPC National Congress. He expressed his belief that China will definitely make even greater achievements under the leadership of the new central CPC committee.

Than Shwe agreed with Hu's comment on bilateral relations. He said Myanmar values its pawkphaw friendship with China, regards China as the most reliable friend and will educate younger generations to pass the torch of bilateral pawkphaw friendship from generation to generation.

Than Shwe also briefed Hu on the domestic situations of Myanmar. He said that the Myanmar government and people are concentrating on national reconciliation and building the economy, and Myanmar's efforts have proved positive in a variety of ways with people's lives and conditions improved. He again thanked China for helping in Myanmar's development, saying that it has played an important role in the country's economic building. He reiterated Myanmar will continue to abide by the One China policy, support China's reunification cause and further boost its overall cooperation with China.