Xi calls on closer China-Singapore military exchanges

Vice President Xi Jinping meets with Singaporean Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen (L) in Beijing, June 21, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -Vice President Xi Jinping met with Singaporean Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen in Beijing on Thursday, calling on enhanced military links between both countries.

Xi hailed the achievements of China-Singapore ties since the forging of diplomatic ties, citing strengthened political trust, frequent exchange of visits between state leaders and expanded cooperation in various fields.

"The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing cooperative ties with Singapore in diversified areas and among different levels," said the vice president.

Citing the complicated global situation, Xi called on both countries to cement contacts and cooperation, and keep timely exchanges of views on major global and regional issues, to boost closer ties between the two countries and armed forces.

Ng, in his turn, said the Singaporean government values its relations with China, and is ready to cooperate with China to upgrade bilateral ties to a higher level and jointly safeguard peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

Ng is visiting China as guest of his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie. They held official talks on boosting China-Singapore military exchanges on Monday.