A Chinese naval vessel arrives at the Thilawa port in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 30, 2016. (Xinhua/U Aung)
YANGON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese naval fleet comprising Xiangtan and Zhoushan of the 23rd Escort Task Group called at the Myanmar International Terminals Thilawa (MITT) in Yangon's Thanlyin township Friday, following the completion of its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy fleet's five-day visit to Myanmar aims to implement the important consensus reached by military leaders of both sides, that is to strengthen strategic communication, promote practical cooperation and enrich the China-Myanmar comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
The call also aims to enhance exchange and cooperation and increase mutual understanding and traditional friendly ties between navies of the two countries.
Welcoming the Chinese naval fleet at the Thilawa port terminal were Chinese Ambassador Hong Liang and Chief of Myanmar naval dockyard headquarters Admiral Myint Oo as well as other naval officials.
Chinese Navy soldiers stand in line on the deck of a Chinese naval vessel at the Thilawa port in Yangon, Myanmar, Sept. 30, 2016. (Xinhua/U Aung)
Ambassador Hong Liang said at the deck reception that the PLA naval fleet's Myanmar visit will promote understanding of Myanmar people on China and enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and deepen military cooperation between the two armed forces.
He added that during the four months' voyage of escorting Chinese and foreign vessels, the PLA navy fleet also protected those transporting humanitarian food aid, showing the PLA navy's contribution to a harmonious world and a harmonious ocean and playing a positive role in safeguarding world peace and stability.
During its call in Myanmar, commander of the Chinese navy fleet will meet Myanmar military leaders.
Besides carrying out cultural exchange and interaction with the Myanmar side such as visits, tours, football games with their counterparts, the Chinese naval vessels will be open to the public for show .
The Chinese naval fleet's call at Myanmar port, which represent another voyage after a training flotilla's visit in May 2014, will be significantly important to the exchange of the two navies.
