Myanmar to continue friendly policy toward China: Aung San Suu Kyi

NAY PYI TAW -- Myanmar will continue to adopt a friendly foreign policy with all countries including China and place more emphasis on relations with its neighbors, Chairperson of the National League for Democracy (NLD) Aung San Suu Kyi said on Tuesday.

Since independence, Myanmar has always been adopting a friendly foreign policy with all countries, which is the correct policy for the country, she told Xinhua, adding that the NLD could successfully implement such a policy.

Asked about the issue of attracting foreign investment, Suu Kyi welcomd investment from all countries, including China, in Myanmar.

She stressed that it was imperative to gain the trust of Myanmar people to make investment in the country.

She also praised China's "Belt and Road" initiative, hoping the plan could benefit all sides.

The initiative of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, is aimed at reviving the ancient trade routes that span Asia, Africa and Europe.

As for the priority issues, Suu Kyi believed that developing economy, raising people's living standard and pushing forward political reform and democratic process should be implemented in a balanced manner.

Noting that Myanmar is a country badly in need of reform, Suu Kyi pointed out that people support the NLD just because they want change in fact.

With regard to national reconciliation, peace process and national stability, Suu Kyi said Myanmar can demonstrate to the world its stability and it can realize people's will by settling related issues through coordination.

In the Nov 8 general election, the NLD won an absolute majority or over 50 percent of the total seats in the Union Parliament. The party has the right to form a new government independently under the constitution.

It is the first time that Suu Kyi gave an exclusive interview to the Chinese media after the poll.