source:English.news.cn 2012-05-24

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Thursday met with South Africa's military chief Solly Shoke, pledging closer cooperation between the two militaries.

Hailing the bilateral relationship between the two nations, Liang said the Chinese side appreciates South Africa's understanding and support on major issues concerning China's core interests.

"The Chinese side attaches importance to the relationship between the two militaries as well as the two nations," Liang said, adding that China is willing to increase interactions with South Africa in pursuit of common development.

Shoke, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, said it was South Africa's policy to develop bilateral ties with China, and his country is ready to work with China to increase bilateral friendship and cooperation.

On Wednesday, the visiting South African general held talks with Chen Bingde, chief of General Staff of Chinese People's Liberation Army.