The Chinese armed forces are willing to enhance cooperation with the military of Malaysia, a senior Chinese military official said in Beijing Wednesday.

China and Malaysia share a long history of friendship, said Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in a meeting with visiting Malaysian Chief of Defense Force Tan Sri Abdul Aziz.

The years after the two countries forged diplomatic ties witnessed further development of bilateral relations and achievements of cooperation in various areas, Liang said. He believed that bilateral strategic cooperation would be more fruitful with joint efforts of both sides.

China and Malaysia, two developing countries, have set safeguarding world peace and promoting common development as an important mission of their armed forces, said Liang, adding that China would like to work with Malaysia to continue enhancing the friendly cooperation of the two countries and militaries.

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz said Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and is ready to strengthen understanding and trust with China and boost mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields.

(Xinhua News Agency July 9, 2009)