General Staff Chief of the Chinese armed forces Chen Bingde and Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces Hakan Syren agreed to further develop military cooperation between the two sides during their meeting Monday.

Chen, chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said the Chinese side attaches great importance to developing relations with the Swedish armed forces and believes that it is conducive to bilateral ties and cooperation between the two armed forces.

Syren said Sweden and China have maintained good exchanges in various fields and he hoped both sides will further develop friendly cooperation and exchanges.

Chen said bilateral military ties have made great achievements, featuring continuous high-level visits and increasing exchanges in all professional fields.

Syren, who visited China five years ago, said great changes have taken place in China and the country and people have both made great progress. He congratulated China's successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and appreciated the security work during the Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2008)