Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks in Beijing on Monday with Belarusian Defense Minister Leonid Maltsev.

Cao said China-Belarus relations were developing smoothly and both countries had expanded cooperation in political, economic, cultural and technological fields in recent years.

China took a positive attitude in developing relations between the two countries and armed forces based on equality and mutual benefit, he said, adding China was willing to pushing the bilateral ties to a new height.

China attached importance to its friendly relations with Belarusian armed forces and would make joint efforts with Belarus in stepping up friendly cooperation between the two armed forces, Cao said.

Maltsev said Belarus was active in developing friendly relations with the Chinese People's Liberation Army and would make new efforts in pushing for bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Maltsev was in Beijing on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Cao.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2008)