Senior military officials from China and Hungary met on Thursday in Beijing to underscore the importance of strong military relations.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with Hungarian Chief of General Staff Havril Andras in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Liang said China-Hungary relations withstood tests and maintained steady progress since being forged in 1949.

The two countries participated in high-level military visits, specialist exchanges and personnel training.

Looking to the future, Liang said China would like to cement military exchanges and cooperation with Hungary.

Andras said Hungary always held a friendly policy towards China and adhered to the one-China policy.

He said military ties with China were in the fundamental interests of both countries and Hungary would like to work with China to further boost military relations.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2008)