ANKARA

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged Myanmar junta leader to advance internal political reconciliation, according to a media report.

"China supports Myanmar in advancing the political reconciliation and transformation, and stands ready to work with Myanmar to steadily advance the construction of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation," Li said at a meeting with Myanmar's leader Min Aung Hlaing, Beijing-based Xinhua News reported.​​​​​​​

Aung is in Kunming, the capital of China's southern Yunnan province, for the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion Summit from Nov. 6 - 7. It marks his first visit to the neighboring country since the February 2021 coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar fell into deep social, political and economic turmoil following the coup as the army conducted brutal campaigns against perceived opponents.

Northern Myanmar has seen attacks against the regime by rebels increase in recent weeks with the “Brotherhood Alliance” claiming control over major areas.

Beijing had mediated a cease-fire between the junta and rebels which has broken down several times.

Li said Beijing has always placed its relations with Myanmar at an "important" position in China's neighborhood diplomacy.

Beijing will always support Myanmar in choosing a development path suited to China's national conditions, he added.

Li also urged the two sides to strengthen cooperation in education, culture and tourism, enhance local exchanges and crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud.

He expressed hope that Myanmar will ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in that country after an explosion targeted the Chinese Consulate-General in the northern city of Mandalay last month, damaging one of its buildings.

Aung appreciated China's positive role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Myanmar, assuring that his country will make "every" effort to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

He also thanked China for its "valuable" assistance to Myanmar's economic and social development and response to natural disasters.