Chinese and Chilean defense ministers met in Santiago on Monday and agreed to further bilateral cooperation between the military forces of both countries.

 

Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the friendly ties between the two nations' defense ministries and militaries have made rapid progress in recent years.

 

The progress was possible because the leaders of the two countries had agreed to develop an extensive bilateral partnership, Cao said.

 

Senior military officers from the two countries had exchanged visits in recent years, he said.

 

The partnership helps speed up the military buildup of both nations, maintain regional and world peace and stability, Cao said. It is in the interests of both countries for their militaries to learn from each other, Cao said.

 

He said China is ready to further exchanges and cooperation between the military forces of China and Chile.

 

Jose Goni, Cao's Chilean counterpart, echoed Cao's comments, describing the development of bilateral ties in recent years as "positive."

 

Goni said Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's visit to China in 2004 as the then defense minister pushed their military ties forward.

 

Goni hoped that the level of cooperation between the defense ministries and militaries of the two countries can be strengthened.

 

Cao arrived here on Sunday for a two-day visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2007)