Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan held talks with Ecuador's Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrin in Beijing on Tuesday.

 

Cao hailed China-Ecuador ties, saying that their relations have developed smoothly over the past 26 years and bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, military and culture has improved greatly.

 

Cao said the relations between the two armies are an important component of bilateral ties and China hopes to expand the friendly cooperative relations with the Ecuadorian army.

 

Cao also briefed Jarrin on China's economic and military development and China's principle on the Taiwan issue.

 

Jarrin said he hopes his current visit would further boost relations between the two countries and the two armies.

 

Jarrin arrived in Beijing on Monday for an official visit as a guest of Cao.

 

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2006)