China is to make concerted efforts with Austria to promote friendship and cooperation between their militaries, said Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Tuesday.

In talks with Austrian Defense Minister Gunther Platter, Cao said there have been comprehensive and positive developments in Sino-Austrian relations in recent years with increasing exchanges of high-level visits and deepening cooperation in various fields.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army attaches importance to friendly relations with the Austrian armed forces, and will join hands with the Austrian side to promote the multi-field and multi-level development of bilateral ties, said Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

Cao also briefed Platter on Chinese national defense policies and military construction.

Platter said the Austrian government has always valued relations with China and that ties between the two armed forces have developed well.

He said the Austrian side is willing to further push forward the friendly cooperation with China in the economic, educational, military and training fields.

Before the talks, Cao held a welcome ceremony for Platter. The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Chinese and Austrian defense ministries after the talks.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2005)