BEIJING: China’s foreign minister met Myanmar’s junta leader in Naypyidaw on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in the Southeast Asian country and strengthening bilateral ties.

Qin Gang said after a meeting with junta chief Min Aung Hlaing that his visit “not only indicates the friendship of the two countries but also China’s stance on Myanmar on the world stage”.

Myanmar has been in political and economic turmoil since the military in 2021 overthrew Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government and led deadly attacks on pro-democracy opponents. Most of the global community, especially Western powers, has increasingly shunned the junta, but China and Russia remain firm allies of the military regime.

Qin discussed Myan­mar’s stability and development with the general, a television channel said.

“They exchanged opinions on the political situation in Myanmar and actions for stability and development, increasing border trade, and cooperation on energy, including investments,” the broadcaster said.

Qin will head to India from Myanmar to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation grouping.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2023