The Chinese air force hopes to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Uruguayan air force at different levels and in various fields, said Qiao Qingchen, commander of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing Tuesday.

Qiao, also a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC), made the remarks during his talks with visiting General Commander of the Uruguayan Air Force Enrique Bonelli.

Qiao spoke highly of the friendship between the two countries and their armed forces, saying Bonelli is the first Uruguayan air force commander to visit China, and that his current visit opens the door for the top-level exchanges between the air forces of the two countries.

Qiao expressed the hope that the two sides will deepen understanding, learn from each other and increase exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

Bonelli congratulated Qiao on his assumption as CMC member. He said Uruguay firmly follows the one-China policy and firmly supports China's principle of "peaceful reunification" and "one country, two systems".

He also expressed his hope to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese air force.

Before the talks, Qiao held a welcome ceremony for Bonelli's visit to China.

Bonelli and his party arrived here Sunday for an official goodwill visit to China as Qiao's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2004)