BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will make joint efforts with Uruguay in stepping up military exchanges and cooperation, said a senior Chinese military officer here Tuesday.

Chief of the General Staff of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Liang Guanglie made the remarks when meeting with Alejo Diaz, general commander of Uruguayan army, and Heber Fernandez, general commander of Uruguayan navy.

"We are happy to see the good momentum and bright prospect of the development of bilateral military relations in recent years," Liang said.

"We hope to push forward the friendly relations between the two armed forces," Liang added.

Diaz said the Uruguayan government and armed forces attach great importance to developing friendly relations with China.

Diaz also expressed his hope to deepen understanding of China through the visit.

At the invitation of China's PLA General Staff Headquarters, Diaz and Fernandez are paying an official goodwill visit in China from Monday. Besides Beijing, they are also going to visit China's ancient capital Xi'an and its powerhouse Shanghai. Enditem