Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met here Thursday with visiting Maldivian Minister of Defense and National Security Ameen Faisal, vowing to expand bilateral military cooperation.

Liang, also a state councilor, spoke highly of Maldives' firm support of China on Taiwan and Tibet issues.

Liang said friendly exchanges between the two countries and cooperation between the two armed forces have expanded since the establishment of China-Maldives diplomatic ties 37 years ago.

China looks forward to further developing friendly cooperative relations between the two defense ministries and armies, Liang said.

Faisal briefed Liang on the social and economic development of Maldives since the archipelago's new President Mohamed Nasheed (Anni) assumed office.

He stressed Maldives' hopes to keep closer ties with China and to further promote the development of cooperative relations between the two countries.

Noting Maldives' GDP per capita income being the highest among South Asian nations, Liang congratulated the government and people of Maldives on their achievements.

China was committed to developing long-term, friendly relations with South Asian nations, said Liang, adding that China hoped to see the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) playing a much bigger role in regional affairs.

The Maldives is composed of 1,192 small coral islands scattered across the equator. About 200 islands are inhabited. 85 islands have been developed into resorts.

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2009)