Defense ministers of China and Singapore stressed in Singapore
Thursday that there is a great potential for the two armed forces
to enhance their relations of friendship and cooperation.
Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said during a
meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Teo Chee Hean that
bilateral relations between China and Singapore have grown
significantly since they established diplomatic ties 16 years
ago.
The two countries have seen frequent exchange of high-level
visits and fruitful cooperation in various fields such as economy
and trade, science and technology, as well as culture and
education, Cao said.
He added that the scope of the exchanges between the two armies
has been ceaselessly enlarged over the years and their coordination
and cooperation in dealing with major international and regional
issues have contributed to the peace, stability and prosperity of
the region.
Noting the great potential for bilateral cooperation between
China and Singapore, Cao said that the two sides should spare
common efforts to continue enhancing ties between the two countries
as well as between the two armies.
Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military
Commission of China and a state councilor, expressed appreciation
of the Singapore government's sustained adherence to one-China
policy and its support to China's reunification cause.
Agreeing with Cao's remarks, Teo said that Singapore and China
have enjoyed friendly bilateral ties and the friendship between the
two peoples is long-lasting. The exchanges and cooperation between
the two nations and between the two armed forces have rendered good
results.
He said that the Singapore government will adhere to its
one-China policy and will promote the friendly and cooperative ties
between the two defense establishments.
Cao arrived here earlier on the day for a three-day official
goodwill visit to the city state at Teo's invitation.
Teo held a welcome ceremony to receive his Chinese counterpart
before their talks.
This is the fourth leg of Cao's tour to five Asian countries,
which also include North Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and South
Korea.
(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2006)
