Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Thursday met with visiting Commander of the Armed Forces of Switzerland Christophe Keckeis, agreeing on closer military exchanges.

 

"The military relations between the two countries have kept a sound momentum of development," Cao told Keckeis Thursday afternoon.

 

China would like to make joint efforts with Switzerland to promote the high-level visits and exchanges in specialized fields, said Cao, also state councilor and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission.

 

Echoing Cao's remarks, Keckeis said he hoped Switzerland-China military exchanges and cooperation would be stepped up through his China visit.

 

Cao and Keckeis also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

 

Keckeis arrived in Beijing Tuesday for his first China visit, as guest of Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army Liang Guanglie.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2006)