Source: Xinhua    Published: 2015-10-20

Chief Political Advisor of Myanmar President`s Office U Ko Ko Hlaing receives an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency in Yangon, Myanmar, Oct. 20, 2015. The "Belt and Road" Initiative, advocated by China, is a great concept which not only benefits China but also contributes to the development of Myanmar and the region, said U Ko Ko Hlaing.(Xinhua/Ko Thaung)

The "Belt and Road" Initiative, advocated by China, is a great concept which not only benefits China but also contributes to the development of Myanmar and the region, said U Ko Ko Hlaing, Myanmar President`s chief political adviser, on Tuesday.

In an interview with Xinhua, U Ko Ko Hlaing said China is a driving force for the development of world economy, adding that despite fluctuation of China`s stock market, he believed that China could overcome the challenges and maintain the sustainable development.

He said China is Myanmar`s biggest economic partner standing not only as Myanmar`s biggest source of investment but also as the largest trading partner.

When asked about the trend of China-Myanmar relations, he pointed out that no matter it is viewed from the strategic angle or from the socio-economic perspective, China is always important to Myanmar regardless of which government takes office after the election.

The new government would place the priority on the development of Myanmar-China relations and the relations would continue to develop based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

On allegation of China`s meddling in Myanmar`s peace process, U Ko Ko Hlaing rejected the charge, saying China is a positive pusher for Myanmar`s peace.

On the recent signing of Myanmar`s Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA), U Ko Ko Hlaing attributed the historic start to President U Thein Sein government`s efforts in pushing the national reconciliation and peace process, underlining that the NCA signing signified Myanmar`s peace process has entered a new phase.