Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called on China and Myanmar to maintain and develop their "Paukphaw" friendship, push forward bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and bring more benefits to the two nations.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

The development of bilateral ties depends on the cooperation of the two peoples, and also the two militaries, Xi said. The Chinese president expressed his hope that the Myanmar military can enhance exchanges with the Chinese side to jointly safeguard the peace and stability of their shared border, and establish good conditions in order to boost the border's economic development.

"China and Myanmar are champions of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China has always insisted on not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and respecting the development path chosen by the people of all countries," he said.

"The two sides should continue to understand and support each other, strengthen cooperation, firmly safeguard our respective sovereignty, security and development interests, safeguard our common legitimate rights and interests, and safeguard the basic principles of international relations. China will continue to speak up for Myanmar in the international community," Xi continued.

Noting that it is of great historic significance for the two countries to build a community with a shared future, Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar appreciates China's long-term assistance to the economic, social development and national defense construction of Myanmar.

He said that Myanmar firmly sticks to the one-China policy and considers the Hong Kong and Xinjiang issues to be purely China's internal affairs which should not be meddled in by any foreign country.

Xi arrived in Myanmar on Friday for a state visit and left on Saturday afternoon. It is the first visit to the Asian neighbor by a Chinese president after an interval of 19 years. The visit also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.