China will work with Namibia to raise bilateral military ties to a new stage, Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said in Beijing Tuesday.

Liang made the remarks when meeting with chief of the Namibian Defense Force Martin Shalli.

Liang said China cherished the friendship with Namibia, which could be traced back to the era of Namibia's struggle for independence.

China forged diplomatic ties the day after Namibia's independence in 1990.

Echoing Liang's views, Shalli expressed appreciation for China's help in Namibia's development, and said Namibia stands ready to consolidate bilateral military ties and state-to-state relations.

Shalli said he was warmly received in China, as Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army Chen Bingde held a welcoming ceremony in honor of him earlier on Tuesday and held talks with him prior to Liang's meeting.

Shalli started his three-day official goodwill visit to China from June 7.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2009)