Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met with visiting
Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army Oscar Izurieta Tuesday in
Beijing.
Cao, also vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission
and state councilor, said Chinese and Chilean people have
traditional friendship although the two countries are far from each
other.
Since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, Cao said,
bilateral ties have developed smoothly with increasing friendly
cooperation in various fields.
The development of relations between two armed forces have also
gained momentum and China takes positive view in further promoting
bilateral military ties, Cao said.
Izurieta said he hoped to increase understanding of China through
this visit so as to make contributions to the development of
bilateral relations.
Besides Beijing, Izurieta will also visit Xi'an in central
China's Shaanxi Province and Shanghai in east
China.
(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)