Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie met with Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Baska in Bratislava, capital city of Slovakia, on Thursday noon. Both sides hope to further enhance pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Liang thanked Baska for his invitation and warm and friendly reception. He said that China and Slovakia have traditional good relations, and that since Slovakia's independence 16 years ago, the bilateral relations have made considerable developments.

Liang said that as the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, China is ready to continue pushing for deeper pragmatic cooperation in various fields with Slovakia.

Liang expressed his satisfaction with bilateral military relations. He said he hoped the two armed forces would continue high-level visits, enhance exchanges in professional fields, strengthen cooperation in personnel training, learn from each other and grow together with joint efforts, so as to bring the military exchange and cooperation to a new level.

Baska said Liang's visit is the first by a Chinese Defense Minister since the independence of Slovakia, to which Slovakia attaches great importance.

He said Slovakia regards China as one of the world's most influential countries and is willing to see China's further development. He said Slovakia is pleased with the traditional friendly relations between the two countries.

He also pointed out that the bilateral military relations are an important part of the bilateral relations and that Slovakia is ready to carry out comprehensive exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields.

The two defense ministers exchanged views on international security situation, army building and other issues of common interests.

Before the meeting, Baska held a grand welcoming ceremony for Liang at Slovak Ministry of Defense.

Chinese ambassador to Slovakia, Chen Jian fu, and Liang's major entourage took part in the meeting and the ceremony.

Liang arrived in Bratislava on Wednesday, beginning his three-day official visit to Slovakia.

(Xinhua News Agency September 4, 2009)