Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (2nd R) meets with Gary Anthony Rodwell Best (L), chief of the Defense Staff of Guyana, in Beijing, capital of China, July 4, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

China was ready to work with Guyana to push forward friendly, cooperative relations between the two armed forces, said Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in Beijing on Friday.

Liang, also state councilor, made the remarks in a meeting with Gary Anthony Rodwell Best, chief of the defense staff of the armed forces of Guyana.

China and Guyana have enjoyed increasing cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture, education and health since forging diplomatic ties in 1972, Liang said, noting that the two militaries also witnessed sound growth of bilateral relations in recent years.

Echoing Liang, Best said the two armed forces "have good relations" and he hoped that the two military forces would continue "expanding and deepening exchanges and cooperation".

Best also expressed sympathy for China's losses in the May 12 earthquake.

He said he "has every confidence" in China to hold a successful Olympic Games.

Chen Bingde, chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army, held talks with Best earlier on Friday, pledging to advance relations between the two military forces.

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2008)