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Obama calls Myanmar president, Suu Kyi

Suu Kyi herself was placed under house arrest for most of the period between 1989 and 2010 for leading pro-democracy activists against the former military junta.

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Lay said to improve their image the Chinese government had to maintain a firmer grip on their businesses to ensure any unethical or irresponsible behaviour was stopped.

“Myself and Foreign Minister Suu Kyi reached a consensus, that all problems can find an appropriate resolution via friendly consultations”, it quoted Mr Wang as saying, without mentioning specific projects.

The post of State Counselor was created by the Hluttaw, Myanmar’s parliament, over the objections of the military’s representatives, which hold a quarter of the body’s seats.

Military members of Parliament denounced the measure as an unconstitutional power grab, stood up in the chamber in protest and boycotted the vote. Earlier, during a meeting of the parliament’s combined houses, two new cabinet ministers were approved.

But the role of state counsellor, which she was officially given to her by President Htin Kyaw on Wednesday, allows her to liaise between the executive and legislative branches.

Vying for influence with China, Japan has also courted Myanmar through foreign aid and investments, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration developing a particularly strong relationship with Thein Sein’s government.

China is keen to resolve differences and resume the stalled Mysitone dam project in Myanmar, meant to send 90% of its power to China.

Wang stressed that he came at Suu Kyi’s invitation and that the two countries’ friendship is unaffected by Myanmar’s change in government.

Myanmar’s new government is willing to work together with China to promote good relations between the countries, deepen cooperation in all fields, strengthen communication and collaboration in regional and worldwide affairs, he said.

The north of the country has been in turmoil in recent years, with Chinese citizens killed and injured in bombings along the border. Myanmar will not forget the support and help China has provided to the country especially during the hard times.

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“Myanmar wants to update its water projects and infrastructure and develop its industrial parks, while China happens to have vast experience”, said Xu Liping, a senior research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Myanmar's NLD party leader Aung San Suu Kyi smiles with army members during the handover ceremony of outgoing President Thein Sein and new President Htin Kyaw at the presidential palace in Naypyitaw