Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Thursday with Former Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl, agreeing to further promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said China and Germany are enjoying rapid development of ties at the present time.

"The two sides witness frequent, high-level visits, fruitful cooperation in various fields, and sound coordination in international affairs," he noted.

Relations between the two armed forces also enjoy smooth development, with exchanges and cooperation in various fields constantly expanding, Cao said.

Cao said China attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Germany, and is ready to further enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

Kohl expressed his hope that the exchanges and cooperation between Germany and China would get further promoted.

Kohl paid a visit to China as guest of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies to attend an international symposium on non-traditional security. The two-day symposium, attended by 60 officials, experts and scholars from 17 countries of Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, concluded Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)