Myanmar president hopes to draw on China’s experience in disaster relief, reconstruction

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has said he hopes to draw on China’s successful experience in disaster relief and reconstruction to advance Myanmar's rebuilding of the areas hit by last year's devastating earthquake.

President Min Aung Hlaing made the remarks in an interview with China Media Group in Beijing on Wednesday, during his five-day state visit to China which ended on Friday. The trip marked his 13th visit to the country and his first since assuming the office of president.

During his visit to southwest China’s Sichuan last year, President Min Aung Hlaing sought practical knowledge from local engineers, asking about building materials suited to Myanmar’s hot and humid climate. He also inquired about technologies and experience in disaster prevention, mitigation and post‑disaster reconstruction.

"China's engineering technologies are advanced. Sichuan once suffered a devastating earthquake, and when I visited Sichuan, I saw that the reconstruction work there had been very successful. In contrast, Myanmar was hit by a strong earthquake last year and suffered heavy losses. At present, our reconstruction work has not yet been completed, and some important roads and bridges remain damaged and in need of repair. In these areas, Sichuan, which has also experienced earthquake disasters, has abundant experience in earthquake response and reconstruction. Post-disaster reconstruction is a job that we must complete. Sichuan has the relevant experience and technologies, and we hope to learn from China's experience through cooperation," he said.

Myanmar president hopes to draw on China’s experience in disaster relief, reconstruction

Iran's Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said on Monday that the first round of high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland had significantly advanced efforts to release frozen Iranian assets, while the U.S. side suggested the funds could be channeled toward American farm exports.

Hemmati told the country's semi-official Tasnim News Agency that "significant progress" had been made on the asset releases, with the relevant documents signed during the negotiations.

Referring to the unfreezing of the central bank's overseas assets as one of the most complex items on the agenda, the central bank chief said the funds will be phased into use in the coming days, in accordance with conditions and procedures established by the bank.

Regarding the export of oil and petroleum products, Hemmati said the two parties have agreed that the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the U.S. Treasury Department will be responsible for sanctions waivers for Iranian oil and petrochemical shipments.

After the U.S. and Iran held high-level talks at Switzerland's Burgenstock resort, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on Monday that if the U.S. agreed to unfreeze Iranian assets, the funds could be used to purchase American soybeans, corn and wheat.

Iran reports significant progress on asset unfreezing as US eyes agricultural exports