Fu Quanyou, chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) met Monday in Beijing with Ltg Gilbert Lebeko Romano, chief of the South African army.
Fu, also member of China's Central Military Commission, said that Chinese people have always supported the righteous struggle of South African people against racial segregation in an effort for national liberation.
He said that the establishment of Sino-South African diplomatic relations in 1998 has laid a solid political foundation for the comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.
He said that both China and South Africa are of developing countries, sharing same opinions in important international issues and have common interest in many areas. Thus strengthening Sino- South African relations will be good for the peace and stability of the region and even the whole world.
Fu also briefed the guests on China's domestic situation to the guests.
Romano said that the two nations have enjoyed a good relationship for a long time. In recent years, high-ranking military officials of the two countries have exchanged frequent visits.
Romano said he hopes the two sides will promote military training cooperation and exchanges and to enhance cooperation in various areas.
(Xinhua News Agency October 22,2001)