Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Romanian counterpart Teodor Atanasiu held talks in Bucharest yesterday to discuss military ties between the two nations.

 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said China-Romania relations had enjoyed sustained development since both sides established diplomatic relations 57 years ago.

 

In recent years, Cao said, relations between the two armies have continued to develop under the new historical conditions.

 

The Chinese People's Liberation Army is willing to join hands with Romanian armed forces to consolidate and develop relations between the two armies on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and common development, he added.

 

Atanasiu said in recent years, relations between the two armies have developed smoothly. The two countries have deepened their cooperation to a broader and deeper extent and personnel training has brought about fruitful results.

 

The Romanian side hoped that the two armies would further strengthen exchanges and cooperation, he said.

 

Atanasiu staged a grand reception for Cao's visit and accompanied him for a review of the army, navy and air forces. After the meeting, Cao made a speech titled "China's Peaceful Development Road and Modernization of National Defense."

 

Cao arrived in Bucharest Sunday for a two-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of Atanasiu.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2006)