Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing has met with China's President Xi Jinping for the first time since the junta seized power in a 2021 coup.



The military chief held talks with Xi on Friday, during his visit to Moscow.



Myanmar's state news agency reported that the senior general expressed his gratitude for China's support for the central areas affected by the major earthquake in March.



He also confirmed that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including the economy, trade, and energy.



According to China's foreign ministry, Xi said his country will continue supporting Myanmar's reconstruction.



Xi also said both sides should continuously promote the construction of key projects, including transportation infrastructure to connect the two countries. China advances such projects in line with its Belt and Road initiative, which aims to establish a massive economic zone.



Myanmar apparently aims to show its ties with China to improve political stability and dispel a sense of isolation amid sanctions by Western nations.