Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with Vietnamese Vice Defense Minister Nguyen Van Duoc here on Wednesday, pledging to cement military ties between the two countries.

Liang said the China-Vietnam friendship fostered by older generation leaders should be treasured. China is ready to make joint efforts with Vietnam to expand win-win cooperation, properly handle existing disputes, and push forward further development of bilateral all-round strategic cooperative partnership.

Hailing the progress of bilateral military ties, Liang said the Chinese armed forces are willing to make positive efforts to promote sound military cooperation between both countries.

Nguyen Van Duoc said Vietnam attached great importance to its military ties with China, and the two militaries had kept close exchanges and cooperation over the years. He said he expects his current China trip could further strengthen bilateral military exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2009)