BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met on Tuesday with Chief of Malaysian Armed Forces Zulkifeli Mohd. Zin, pledging to further enhance pragmatic cooperation and exchanges between armed forces of the two countries.

China and Malaysia share long-term traditional friendship, said Chang.

The two countries have upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, he said, calling on the two armed forces to take this as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and make positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of both sides as well as regional peace and stability.

China and Malaysia upgraded bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Malaysia in October.

Zulkifeli said Malaysia attaches great importance to developing military relations with China.

He reaffirmed Malaysia's willingness to strengthen bilateral military ties and promote pragmatic cooperation between the two armed forces.