Foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand hold informal meeting

KUNMING -- The foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand held an informal meeting in Anning, Southwest China's Yunnan province, on Friday, with all sides pledging to help maintain Myanmar's stability and jointly combat cross-border crimes.

Since the first quadrilateral meeting last year, the situation in Myanmar has generally stabilized, and efforts are underway to advance post-earthquake reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national stability, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He called for adhering to a "Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned" approach, supporting the choices of the Myanmar people, and resolving differences through dialogue.

Wang stressed the importance of mediation by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and assistance from neighboring countries, with ASEAN serving as the main channel, while also giving full play to mechanisms like the Informal Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Myanmar Neighboring Countries' Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

He also urged prioritizing people's livelihoods and development, supporting Myanmar in improving people's well-being and post-quake reconstruction, and promoting cooperation in various fields for people's benefits, while warning against external forces that could undermine regional stability.

Myanmar's Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe expressed gratitude for the support from China, Laos and Thailand in addressing challenges and reiterated Myanmar's commitment to advancing domestic peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue. He said Myanmar is actively preparing for transparent elections by year-end to return power to the people.

Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed his country's support for a "Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned" political process and elections to achieve peace, stability and national reconciliation.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Thailand is willing to work with other ASEAN countries to provide support and assistance for Myanmar to hold elections on the basis of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

The four foreign ministers also exchanged views on joint efforts to combat cross-border crime.

Wang emphasized that combating such crimes is related to people's well-being, represents a common concern of the four countries, and requires coordinated action.

He called for strengthening institutional building, strengthening joint operations and border control, strengthening capacity building and judicial coordination, and strengthening transformative development and social governance.

All parties agreed to deepen law enforcement cooperation, intensify efforts against cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, drug and arms trafficking and human trafficking, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.