Chinese DM holds talk with Afghan counterpart

BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks Monday with his Afghan counterpart Abdul Rahim Wardak and pledged to boost military ties between the two countries.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, hailed the ongoing cooperation between China and Afghansitan in multiple areas since the start of the war-shattered country's process of reconstruction as well as the close coordination and communication in regional and international affairs during their two-hour talk.

"The military-to-military exchanges are increasing, the high-level interactions are going on and the pragmatic cooperation in terms of personnel training and military aid ... are going ahead in a stable way," said the Chinese general.

"The Chinese side is willing to cement and enhance the current cooperation between the two militaries based on mutual respect and win-win reciprocity to advance the military ties in a sustainable way," Liang said, adding that the armed forces of the two nations should play an active role in safeguarding their national interests as well as regional security and stability.

Before their talk, Liang held a welcoming ceremony for the visiting Afghan defense minister.