Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks with his Hungarian counterpart Juhasz Ferenc Tuesday afternoon, highlighting the increased cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said China and Hungary have developed a smooth relationship in recent years with increased mutual trust in politics and wide-ranging cooperation in such spheres as economy, science and technology as well as culture and education.

"China cherishes the growth of friendly relation with Hungarian armed forces and is ready to join hands with the Hungarian side to widen the cooperation in various spheres and levels," he said.

Cao also briefed Ferenc on China's domestic situation, national defense policy, army building and the government's principled position on Taiwan issue.

Ferenc, who arrived in Beijing Sunday on an eight-day official visit as guest of Cao, said Hungary and China have enjoyed long-time friendly history. He expressed his hope to further promote exchanges between the two armed forces during his visit in a bid to create more opportunities for better cooperation in the future.

Before the talks, Cao held a welcome ceremony for Ferenc's China visit.

(Xinhua News Agency July 13, 2005)