Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian met Sunday with visiting Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Colombia Fernando Tapias and his party.
Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a State Councilor, said that the people in China and Colombia have cultivated a traditional friendship between themselves.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980, the two countries have expanded good cooperation and exchange in various fields, Chi said.
On the basis of friendly state-to-state relations, the two armed forces also developed ties smoothly, he said.
Chi said that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is willing to further friendly ties with its Colombian counterpart in the new century.
Tapias briefed Chi on the current situation of Colombia and the Armed Forces. He said that the armed forces are trying hard to create good environment for his country's economic development.
After the meeting, Tapias, on behalf of Colombian President Andres Pastrana Arango, awarded Chi an honorary medal.
( June 24, 2002)
