Chinese and Uruguayan defense ministers held talks in Beijing on Tuesday, agreeing to push forward military exchanges and cooperation.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told his Uruguayan counterpart, Jose Bayardi, that the latest meeting between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez in March had greatly advanced ties.

Liang, also a state councilor, stressed that China is willing to make joint efforts with Uruguay to boost pragmatic exchanges and cooperation between the two armed forces.

In the meeting with Liang, Bayardi said, "President Vazquez's state visit to China has produced fruitful results," adding that Uruguay is ready to further military exchange and cooperation with China.

The two defense ministers also exchanged views on such issues as peacekeeping cooperation, personnel exchanges and military training.

Bayardi started his eight-day official goodwill visit to China from April 5.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2009)