Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and his Japanese counterpart Yasukazu Hamada agreed Friday to enhance trust and cooperation between the two military defense departments.

In official talks here, Liang said cementing trust would create an important foundation for building China-Japan strategic relations.

Hailing the progress of defense exchanges over the years, Liang said the two armies had conducted frequent exchanges at various levels. He called for joint efforts to facilitate contacts.

Hamada told Liang that Japan attached importance to exchanges with China in the areas of defense and security, which would benefit both countries and promote Asia-Pacific and world peace.

He said he believed the two Asian powers had great potential for regional security cooperation, adding that Japan was ready to deepen understanding with China for closer defense ties.

Before the talks, Liang held a welcome ceremony for his counterpart.

The two countries have conducted defense exchanges following former Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's historic visit to Japan in August, 2007.

Besides visits of high-ranking officers, there have also been exchanges among young officers and visits of naval ships.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2009)