China, Austria pledge to further military ties
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Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met Thursday with visiting Austrian counterpart Norbert Darabos and Chief of Defense Staff of the Austrian armed forces Edmund Entacher, vowing to bolster bilateral military ties.
Liang said China was ready to work with Austria to further the state-to-state relationship in an in-depth and healthy way.
Constant high-level contacts between the two militaries gave a strong impetus to relations, said Liang.
China was satisfied with the Sino-Austrian military cooperation of friendship, and would make efforts with Austria to push forward pragmatic military cooperation, said Liang.
The two Austrian officials, who were accompanying Austrian President Heinz Fischer on a visit to China, expressed willingness to enhance cooperation with China's armed forces.
They also conveyed condolences on the deaths of eight Chinese peacekeeping police in the Haiti earthquake.
During talks with Fischer Wednesday, Chinese President Hu Jintao said China would like to work with Austria to elevate relations.
Fischer started the four-day state visit Tuesday. The delegation will also tour Shanghai.
