China, Bangladesh pledge to strengthen military ties

BEIJING, Aug. 27 -- China and Bangladesh pledged to strengthen military ties during a meeting between Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan and Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan.

Chang, also a state councilor, said during the meeting that China and Bangladesh are close neighbors with a sound friendship.

China attaches great importance to developing relations with Bangladesh and is committed to cementing the two sides' comprehensive partnership of cooperation, Chang said.

He said the Chinese military is willing to strengthen cooperation in all fields and at all levels with the Bangladeshi side as part of efforts for the two countries' common development as well as safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Karim thanked China for its support and assistance for Bangladesh and said his country is willing to advance the two militaries' relations through further cooperation.