Both Chinese and Myanmar cultures cherish the belief in a "shared bond," he noted, explaining that the two countries are geographically linked, the peoples are connected by kinship and the cultures enjoy a natural affinity.

The millennia-old, time-tested "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship is as strong as ever and it has been the driving force and source of strength behind China-Myanmar relations, Xi said.

He encouraged the two sides to increase mutual learning and expand people-to-people exchanges through these celebration events, so as to engage more people in China and Myanmar to become stakeholders, beneficiaries and supporters of China-Myanmar friendship, thus cementing public support for their friendly ties.

To advance China-Myanmar relations in the new era, the Chinese president stressed that the two countries need to build on past achievements, stay true to their shared ideals and blaze a new trail together.

"President U Win Myint and I have agreed that my visit shall mark the start of our joint endeavor to build a China-Myanmar community with a shared future," Xi said.