Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on Wednesday highlighted the friendship and mutual trust between Myanmar and China, adding that "Pauk-Phaw" friendship between the two countries will be further cemented.
In an interview with the China Media Group in Beijing during his five-day state visit to China which ended on Friday, the president said Myanmar and China share a deep historical friendship that should be carried forward and built upon in the future.
"Myanmar and China have a long history of exchanges. As friendly neighbors, the two countries share a border stretching more than 2,000 kilometers. We not only enjoy a 'Swe Myo' 'Pauk-Phaw' friendship, but have also reached consensus on building a mutually beneficial Myanmar-China community with a shared future of sharing weal and woe. I believe that, in developing bilateral relations, Myanmar and China are not merely neighbors sharing a border -- we should also carry forward and promote our traditional bilateral friendship," he said.
He also offered a detailed explanation of the "Pauk-Phaw" friendship -- its meaning and significance -- while stressing that Myanmar will continue to be a friendly neighbor of China.
"The history of friendly exchanges between Myanmar and China is long and profound. 'Pauk-Phaw' means brothers. The term 'Swe Myo' refers to kinship by blood, and also represent a very close and trustworthy relationship. We use terms such as 'Swe Myo' and 'Pauk-Phaw' to describe Myanmar and China as brothers sharing the same bloodline. The cooperation between Myanmar and China is deep in scope and diverse in coverage. Whether in the present or for the long term, we are firmly committed to continuously deepening bilateral cooperation, and to steadily consolidating mutual trust and nurturing friendship. We will work hand in hand to promote regional solidarity and collaboration. This is the best path forward, and Myanmar will continue to be a friendly neighbor of China," he said.
Myanmar president highlights 'Pauk-Phaw' friendship with China
European Union (EU) leaders had agreed to extend sanctions on Russia for another 12 months, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
The decision, made at an EU summit in Brussels, marks the first time that the bloc has renewed its economic sanctions package for a full year.
Previously, the measures had been extended every six months.
The summit also agreed to produce a preliminary deal on a two-trillion-euro (about 2.30 trillion U.S. dollars) long-term budget for 2028-2034 by October, according to a draft statement published on Friday.
However, significant disagreements remained among member states regarding the allocation of funds.
While Germany, the Netherlands and some countries push to slash the bloc's total spend, southern and eastern member states are concerned that funding for sectors such as agriculture will be sacrificed in favor of more defense spending.
Another hotly discussed topic is the Ukraine issue. The country opened negotiations this month on the first cluster of its accession talks with the EU, and von der Leyen said the bloc aims to open negotiations on additional clusters in the near future.
The European Council also adopted joint conclusions on Ukraine endorsed by all 27 EU leaders for the first time since Dec 2024, said European Council President Antonio Costa at a press conference.
He also said he was establishing a diplomatic channel through his office to facilitate direct communication between the EU and Russia, stressing that the bloc must be able to convey its own messages to Moscow rather than rely on others to interpret Russia's positions.
However, some EU leaders remain cautious about the role Costa should play in any future peace negotiations.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the diplomatic coordination mechanism involving Germany, France and Britain had been established at Ukraine's explicit request, adding that Costa plays an important role in representing the EU, but there is no need for him to "make further decisions right now."
Diplomatic contacts related to a possible ceasefire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have so far been largely driven by the United States, while European countries have sought a greater role in the process.
The leaders of the EU's 27 member states gathered in Brussels for a two-day summit from June 18 to 19, discussing support for Ukraine, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and other key issues.
EU leaders agree to extend sanctions on Russia for one year
