A senior Chinese military officer said in Beijing Wednesday that China pledged to promote relations with Norwegian armed forces.

 

Liang Guanglie, chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) made the remarks in a meeting with Norwegian chief of Defence Staff Arne Bard Dalhaug.

 

"China values Norway's role in international affairs and is willing to further strengthen consultation and cooperation with Norway to promote world peace and stability," said Liang, who is also a member of Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC).

 

Liang also briefed Dalhaug China's path of peaceful development. He said China will stick to the path and will never seek hegemony.

 

"China's choice of peaceful development is not an act of expediency, but a promise of Chinese government and people to the whole world," Liang said.

 

Dalhaug said Norwegian and Chinese armed forces have made sound cooperation, which laid a solid foundation for the future development of bilateral ties.

 

The two armed forces share similar ideas in military construction though the two countries are far apart, said Dalhaug, adding that he expected the visit could intensify the bilateral friendly cooperation.

 

Dalhaug and his delegation arrived in Beijing on Tuesday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2006)