Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Monday told visiting Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan that the Indian and Chinese military should further strengthen exchange and cooperation.  

Speaking highly of the progress made in defense cooperation between the two countries' military over the past few years, Vajpayee said that the two countries' military should continue to safeguard the peace and stability along the borders, in the region and in the rest of the world as well.

Terming India and China as good neighbors and good friends, Vajpayee said that developing long-term and constructive partnership between the two countries is in conformity with the interests of the two peoples.

Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said that bilateral relations have made gratifying progress over the past few years thanks to the concerted efforts made by the leaders of the two countries, adding that the exchange and cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural, science, technology and defense fields have strengthened further.

He noted that China will commit itself to more exchange and cooperation between the two countries' military, which will in turn boost the understanding and friendship between the two countries.

"I wish that China and India will become eternal good neighbors, good partners and good friends and that the two peoples will live in peace with each other from generation to generation," Cao added.

At the invitation of the Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes, Cao arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a five-day official visit to India.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2004)