A senior Chinese military official said Thursday China hopes to advance military ties with Austria.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made the remarks while meeting with Edmund Entacher, chief of general staff of the Austrian army.

China and Austria have been friends for a long time, Liang said, adding that mutual political trust between the two countries has continually increased in recent years.

Not only do the two countries maintain good communications and coordination within the United Nations, they also gain much from exchange and cooperation in various fields, he added.

China attaches importance to its friendly relationship with the Austrian military, Liang said.

Next year is the 40th anniversary of the founding of China-Austria diplomatic ties.

"We hope both sides make an effort to strengthen military relations while promoting comprehensive bilateral ties," Liang said.

Entacher echoed Liang sentiments, saying the two militaries should expand cooperation into new areas.

He also expressed hope Austria-China relations can further develop.