Visiting Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Kuala Lumpur Monday that the China-Malaysia friendship has withstood the test of time over the past 30 years.

 

Delivering a written speech upon arriving at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, said Currently, the relationship between the two neighbor countries develops smoothly, with exchanges and cooperation in various fields and at various levels constantly expanding and scoring eye-catching achievements.

 

Cao, who arrived here for a four-day official visit, said as both China and Malaysia face the tasks of safeguarding peace and stability and seeking common development, the deepening of friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and two militaries are of great significance and in the interests of the two peoples.

 

"We are paying this visit for the purpose of enhancing mutual understanding, broadening common ground, developing friendship and promoting cooperation," said the Chinese defense minister.

 

He also conveyed the kind greetings and the best wishes of Chinese people and armed forces to Malaysian people and armed forces.

 

Cao is paying the visit at the invitation of Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Najib Tun Razak.

 

This is the third-leg of Cao's tour to five Asian countries, which will also bring him to Singapore and South Korea. He has visited North Korea and Vietnam.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2006)