Beijing, Sep 3 (IANS): Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has underlined the "great strategic importance" of strengthening China-Myanmar friendship in the background of complex international and regional situation.

At a meeting with Myanmar President U. Thein Sein Monday on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN-China Expo, Li said Myanmar was speeding up its economic and social construction, while China was accelerating the development and opening up of its southwest region. "The two sides enjoy complementary advantages in location, markets and technology."

Li suggested that both countries should enhance political mutual trust, discuss new thoughts and paths to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation so as to soundly implement the major projects of bilateral cooperation and bring more benefits to local people, reported Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese premier also called on the two countries to make joint efforts to safeguard prosperity and security in border regions and push forward the long-term stable development of China-Myanmar relations.

As Myanmar would undertake the alternate chairing of the ASEAN in 2014, China hoped Myanmar would contribute to the smooth development of China-ASEAN relations, Li added.

U. Thein Sein said the traditional friendly cooperation between Myanmar and China facilitates the development of both countries.

Myanmar appreciated China's support and assistance, said U. Thein Sein, adding that his country was willing to boost strategic communication and expand reciprocal cooperation so as to promote better development of bilateral ties and ASEAN-China relations.

The 10th ASEAN-China Expo is set to run Sep 3-6 in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.