China will conduct more military exchanges with Kazakhstan to
promote friendly bilateral ties, said Defense Minister Cao
Gangchuan in Beijing on Wednesday.
Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and
State Councilor, made the statement at a meeting with Almaz
Abdulymanov, vice chairman of the Committee of the Chief of Staff
and chief of the Department of Operation Planning of the Kazakhstan
Ministry of Defense.
Cao noted that friendly relations and cooperation between
China and Kazakhstan have developed smoothly since the two
countries forged diplomatic ties more than 10 years ago.
The two armies began to conduct exchanges in 1993. They have
maintained frequent high-level visits between military officials,
and bilateral military cooperation has continually expanded and
deepened, Cao added.
Abdulymanov expressed appreciation for China's support and help
for Kazakhstan's armed forces. He said he hopes relations between
the two countries and the two armies will continue to develop
soundly.
He also said that Kazakhstan is concerned about the "three
forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and is willing to
cooperate with China to fight them.
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2004)
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