Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks on Friday in Beijing with his New Zealand counterpart Phil Goff.

 

Cao said bilateral relations are marked by frequent high-level exchanges, increased political mutual trust and better coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues.

 

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said that relations between the armed forces of the two countries had developed well in recent years with specialized exchanges and cooperation continuing to expand.

 

He briefed his guest on the development of the Chinese armed forces.

 

Goff spoke highly of the comprehensive, in-depth and friendly cooperation between New Zealand and China since they established diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago.

 

Relations between the two countries and the two armed forces have continued to expand, particularly in recent years, Goff said.

 

New Zealand is ready to work with China to push relations to a new high, Goff added.

 

This is Goff's first visit to China as defense minister. He is also New Zealand's minister of trade, minister of Pacific Island affairs and minister for disarmament and arms control.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 10, 2006)