Admiral Zhang Dingfa, commander of the Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, met with Rear Admiral David Ledson, chief of the New Zealand Navy, on Monday in Beijing.

Zhang, who was also appointed to the Central Military Commission in September, talked about the cooperative projects and exchanges between the two navies in recent years, saying that such exchanges have enhanced the two countries' friendship.

China hopes the two navies can continue working together to maintain regional peace and stability, he said.

Ledson, who was appointed to his position in April this year, said the he would like to see the two navies expand exchanges and deepen mutual understanding and trust.

Ledson is the first New Zealand Navy chief to visit China since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972.

(China.org.cn, Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2004)