To cement the exchanges between the armed forces of China and South Korea is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding, trust and friendship, said Liang Guanglie, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, on Monday.

Liang made the remarks in a meeting with Kim Jang-soo, visiting South Korean minister of national defense.

Liang noted such exchanges will play a positive role in deepening the overall relations between the two countries.

Kim said the two countries have witnessed frequent high-level exchanges and strengthened military exchanges in the past 15 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, adding that South Korea is willing to make joint efforts with China to contribute to the peace and stability of northeast Asia.

Kim also expressed appreciation for China's active role in pushing ahead the six-party talks aimed at resolving the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2007)