China and New Zealand on Thursday pledged to enhance high-level
exchanges between the armed forces of the two countries.
"China-New Zealand military ties have deepened since the two
countries established diplomatic ties 34 years ago." Defense
Minister Cao Gangchuan told visiting Jerry Mataparae, chief of New
Zealand's Defense Forces.
Bilateral military ties featured frequent high-level visits, a
sound exchange mechanism and deep cooperation in specialized
fields, Cao said.
Mataparae hailed the rapid development of bilateral military
ties, citing progress in various military fields.
"China will further develop relations with New Zealand's Defense
Forces based on deepened understanding and cooperation," Cao
said.
Echoing Cao's remarks, Mataparae said New Zealand hoped to
maintain frequent high-level exchanges and increase cooperation
between the two armed forces.
Mataparae started an officially friendly visit to China on
October 8 as the guest of Liang Guanglie, chief of the general
staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)
