Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with visiting Egyptian armed forces' chief of staff Sami Hafez Enan?in Beijing on?Tuesday, pledging to step up friendly military cooperation.

Liang, also state councilor, hailed the development of China-Egypt relations, saying that China's armed forces value the friendship with the Egyptian military and would work with Egypt to increase cooperation.

Liang also briefed Enan on the situation following the earthquake in Sichuan Province and the relief efforts of the Chinese military and people.

Enan spoke highly of the role the Chinese army played in tackling the earthquake, saying that he is confident that China will be able to overcome the disaster.

Enan said the Egyptian armed forces are ready to promote friendly cooperation and exchanges with China.

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2008)