China defense minister pledges to develop friendly cooperation with ROK

BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met here Friday with Kim Eun-ki, air chief of staff of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea (ROK), pledging to develop friendly cooperation between the two sides.

Liang, also a state councilor, said China and the ROK had witnessed an all-round development of bilateral friendly relations in recent years, with frequent high-level visits and increasing cooperation in various fields.

The two nations maintained close coordination in major regional and world affairs and enjoyed a comprehensive common ground, he noted.

Liang praised the military ties between the two countries, saying their respective armed forces had witnessed increasing mutual trust.

China was ready to make joint efforts with the ROK to continue enhancing exchanges and cooperation in every field and advancing the friendly relations between the two armed forces, in a bid to help regional and world peace, stability and development, Liang said.

Kim said he hoped the two air forces could further deepen exchanges and cooperation, so as to contribute to the growth of bilateral relations between the two countries and the two armies.