Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Bolivian counterpart Walker San Miguel Rodriguez held talks in Beijing Wednesday morning on furthering bilateral military relations.

 

Cao said to develop relations is in the interests of both armed forces and China is ready to take these ties to a broader and deeper extent.

 

Cao noted that since China and Bolivia established diplomatic ties in 1985, bilateral relations have developed smoothly and mutual political trust has grown.

 

Rodriguez said China has made a great contribution to safeguarding world peace and is also an important force for third world countries.

 

He appreciated the aid China has offered Bolivia, saying the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces have both seen great development.

 

Rodriguez said he hoped the friendly ties and cooperation between Bolivia and China could be further expanded and he stressed that the Bolivian government would continue to stick to the one-China principle.

 

Rodriguez arrived in China on Monday for a seven-day official good-will visit.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2006)