Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Tuesday that to improve friendly cooperation between the Chinese and Pakistani armies will benefit the regional and international peace and stability.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remark when meeting with Pakistani Chief of the Naval Staff Shahid Karimullah.

Cao recalled his visit to Pakistan in March and spoke highly of the relations between the two countries and the two armies.

He said China and Pakistan have enjoyed effective cooperation in various fields and have maintained good coordination and cooperation in international affairs.

Despite great changes of the international and regional situations, China-Pakistan friendship has been continuously consolidated, he said.

Cao said along with the smooth development of bilateral relations, the armies and defense departments of the two countries also kept long-term close exchanges and to further improve the friendly cooperation between the two armies will benefit regional as well as international peace and stability.

Karimullah said Pakistan cherishes the deep traditional friendship with China and is willing to join with the Chinese side to further explore and improve the relations between the two armies.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2004)