Zhang Dingfa, commander of the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, met in Beijing Monday with David Ledson, commander of the New Zealand Navy.

Zhang, also member of the Central Military Commission, praised the cooperation and exchanges between the two navies during recent years. He added that the exchanges have enhanced friendship.

The Chinese navy would like to make joint efforts with the New Zealand navy to maintain regional peace and stability, he said.

Ledson said he hoped the two navies could expand exchanges and deepen mutual understanding and trust, advancing the friendship between the two countries and navies.

Ledson is the first New Zealand navy commander to visit China since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2004)