Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China firmly supports Myanmar in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.

He said this during his state visit to Myanmar.

Myanmar President U Win Myint said the people in Myanmar appreciate China's support and understanding on issues such as Rakhine state. He also thanked Xi for making Myanmar his first country to visit in 2020.

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi said that no matter how the domestic situation changes in Myanmar, the government has always attached great importance to the China-Myanmar relationship.

Xi also talked about the expanded cooperation between China and Myanmar. 

The economies of both countries, he said, are highly complementary, promising great room for further cooperation.

"With Myanmar as an important partner country of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," Xi said, "our two sides have capitalized on the convergence of our development strategies. We need to bring new impetus to our mutually beneficial cooperation by deepening trade and economic exchanges. Our two sides need to deepen results-oriented Belt and Road cooperation."

Myanmar leaders said they will continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative with China, enhance Myanmar-China friendship and cooperation, and bring concrete benefits to the people of the two countries.

Friday's state event was held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties and to launch 2020 as the China-Myanmar Year of Culture and Tourism.