Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with visiting Commander-in-chief of Columbia's Armed Forces Freddy Padilla de Leon in Beijing on Wednesday, agreeing to further boost bilateral military exchanges.

Liang, also a Chinese state councilor, hailed the progress of bilateral military cooperation over the years. Regarding military relations as an important part of overall bilateral ties, he said the Chinese armed forces attached great importance to developing friendly relations with Columbia, and would like to join hands with the country to further deepen military exchanges and cooperation.

In response, Padilla said the Columbian armed forces are confident about future cooperation with China, calling on both sides to explore new cooperation areas and projects.

Besides Beijing, Padilla will also visit China's historic city Xi'an and economic hub Shanghai.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2008)