Guo Boxiong, the visiting vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, held talks in Paris yesterday with French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie. The two sides vowed to push forward the development of the military ties between the two countries.

 

Guo said as an important part of bilateral relations, military ties between China and France had developed rapidly in recent years, citing the frequent exchanges of high-level military visits, the mechanism of strategic dialogues, and the progress in personnel training.

 

He added China was willing to work jointly with France to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, promote cooperation, and further develop bilateral military ties.

 

Alliot-Marie said thanks to the joint efforts made by the leaders of the two countries, China and France had established a model relationship of the all-round strategic partnership.

 

She added that the French military was ready to further promote the military relations with China.

 

Guo arrived here on July 23 for an official visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2006)