Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul held talks in Ankara Wednesday with visiting Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army Liang Guanglie on cooperation between the two armies.  

Gonul said the cooperation between the two armies has steadily developed and the cooperation in the defensive industry of the two countries has also gone smoothly in recent years.

He said Turkey is eager to strengthen exchange and cooperation between the two countries and armies.

Liang's visit to Turkey will contribute to opening new cooperative fields between the two armies and promoting a further development of their ties, added Gonul.

On his part, Liang said the two armies of China and Turkey have long been maintaining close exchange and friendly cooperation, adding the development of friendly and cooperative ties between them is helpful to serve the basic interests of the two countries and peoples.

Liang also expressed belief that with joint efforts, the friendly and cooperative ties between the two armies will further develop to a higher level.

Liang and his delegation arrived in Ankara late Monday for a five-day visit at the invitation of the Turkish armed forces.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2005)