Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie left Beijing Wednesday for an official good-will visit to Slovakia, Serbia and Bulgaria.

Liang, also a state councilor, goes as the guest of the ministers of defence of the three countries.

During the visit, he is scheduled to meet leaders of the three nations as well as the heads of government and hold talks with his counterparts on military ties and other issues of common concern.

Liang will also visit the armed forces and military academies of the three countries.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2009)