Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian met Wednesday with Uruguayan Deputy Defense Secretary Dr. Roberto Yavarone in Beijing.
Chi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, extended a warm welcome to Yavarone and pointed to the smooth progress of Sino-Uruguayan ties since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1988.
Chi said that there have been increasing exchange of high-level visits, and communication and cooperation in many fields have also expanded.
Chi noted that China and Uruguay have also maintained good cooperation in international affairs, and the Chinese government thanked the Uruguayan government for its support on issues concerning human rights and Taiwan.
The Sino-Uruguayan military relations have developed smoothly too, Chi said, adding that further developing the bilateral military relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples.
China is willing to work with Uruguay to further reinforce friendly cooperation between the two armed forces in the new century, said Chi.
Yavarone said that though the two countries are far apart geographically, the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces have developed smoothly.
The two countries have conducted good cooperation in economic, cultural and military fields in recent years, and enjoyed close cooperation on many international issues, noted Yavarone.
He stressed that Uruguay supports China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), which helps not only China's economic development, but also the promotion of Uruguay-China trade cooperation.
Yavarone also exchanged views with Chi on the issue of anti- terrorism, and expressed his hope to build a long-term and stable friendship with China.
(Xinhua News Agency 10/17/2001)
