Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces Hakan Syren in Beijing on Thursday.

Liang, also a state councilor, said Sweden was the first western country to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, and Sino-Swedish relations had developed smoothly in recent years.

China and Sweden had maintained friendly relations despite of having different political systems, Liang said, vowing to strengthen cooperation with Sweden.

On the military relations, Liang said the People's Liberation Army would like to further military exchanges with Swedish armed forces based on mutual respect, equality and reciprocity.

Syren said the Swedish armed forces would cooperate with the PLA on peace-keeping operation and exchanges between the military institutes.

(Xinhua News Agency October 17, 2008)