Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Argentine counterpart Nilda Garre met in Buenos Aires on Wednesday for further enhancing the friendly cooperation between the two armed forces.

Cao, also vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the strategic partnership between the two countries are in the interests of the two peoples and conducive to regional and world peace and stability.

"Based on the sound development of bilateral ties, relations between the two armed forces have kept a good momentum of progress," said Cao, citing frequent exchanges of high-level visits and cooperation in personnel training.

The minister said China is optimistic about the future development of relations with Argentina in the military field and will work together with the Argentine side to improve pragmatic exchanges and cooperation.

For her part, Garre said Argentina and China have a lot in common and both sides are willing to push ahead exchanges and cooperation, adding that the establishment of strategic partnership is important for both countries.

She noted that the Chinese defense minister's first visit to Argentina contributes to the enhancement of cooperation between the two defense ministries and militaries.

Cao arrived here Tuesday for a three-day visit.

The Chinese defense minister also met with Argentina's Vice President Daniel Osvaldo Scioli on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations and other matters of mutual concern.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2007)