China hopes to further deepen military exchanges and cooperation with Columbia, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Monday.

 

Cao made the remarks when meeting with visiting Columbian Minister of Defense Juan Manuel Santos.

 

He said since the establishment of bilateral ties 26 years ago, China and Columbia have continuously deepened exchanges in the fields of politics, trade, economy and military affairs.

 

"China holds positive attitude towards developing military ties with Columbia, and hopes to further strengthen bilateral military exchanges and cooperation," he said.

 

Santos said the Columbian government values its relations with China, adding the bilateral cooperation is highly compatible.

 

He hoped to further promote Columbia-China military friendly cooperation.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2006)