Chinese and Indian armed forces are forging a sound relationship of friendship and trust, said Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) in Beijing Tuesday.

 

Guo said in a meeting with visiting Indian Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the two largest developing nations enjoyed a great potential in developing bilateral ties.

 

The relations between the armed forces of the two countries had been developing soundly, with increased understanding and trust and expansion of exchanges, Guo said.

 

The ties between the two armed forces helped to promote the all-round growth of Sino-Indian relations and spur a good atmosphere for peace in border area, he said.

 

Both forces should contribute to the promotion of friendship between the people of the two countries and mutual prosperity, Guo acknowledged.

 

Mukherjee said the people of the two countries shared a common desire for peaceful and friendly relations.

 

The Indian government would work with China to push for a strategic and cooperative partnership based on the five principles of the peaceful co-existence, he said.

 

Mukherjee, who arrived for a six-day visit on Sunday, will travel to northwest China's Gansu Province and Shanghai municipality, the country's economic hub.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2006)