China will work with Qatar to expand the cooperation between the two armed forces, said a senior military officer in Beijing on Monday.

 

Liang Guanglie, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army, made the remarks during talks with Hamad Bin Ali Al-Attiya, chief of the general staff of Qatar's armed forces.

 

Liang said the relations between China and Qatar have achieved continued progress since the two nations forged diplomatic ties.

 

China appreciates Qatar's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China in the fields of human rights and other international issues, Liang said.

 

According to Liang, Hamad and his party are the first Qatari military delegation to visit China. China will take this opportunity to promote cooperation with the armed forces of Qatar in various fields, Liang said.

 

Hamad said Qatar has always valued ties with China. He expected his visit to help deepen the mutual understanding so as to lay a good foundation for future cooperation and exchanges between the two armed forces.

 

Hamad and his party arrived on Sunday at the invitation of Liang.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)