The Chinese army will promote its friendly and cooperative ties with the armed forces of Belarus, Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan told his Belarusian counterpart Leonid Maltsev on Monday.

"The Chinese side will make joint efforts with the Belarusian counterpart to promote the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces in various fields and at different levels," Cao said during his talks with Leonid Maltsev.

Cao noted that the relationship between the two countries have developed smoothly, with frequent high-level visits and continuously expanded cooperation in various fields.

Maltsev said the Belarusian side is ready to develop relations with Chinese armed forces in different areas and will make new efforts to promote cooperation between the two armed forces in various fields.

Maltsev arrived in Beijing Monday morning for a four-day official visit to China as guest of Cao. This is his fifth visit to China as defense minister.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2007)