Chinese, Russian Defense Ministers on Bilateral Military Ties

Development of Sino-Russian military ties based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit conforms to the fundamental interests of the two sides, and contributes to regional and world security and stability.

Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian made the remarks Tuesday in talks with his Russian counterpart Igor Dmitriyevich Sergeyev.

The "Shanghai Five" meeting of defense ministers of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is a "milestone" for strengthening trust and cooperation in military and security fields among the five countries, Chi said.

This year's "Shanghai Five" ministerial meeting was held in March in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan.

"It is of great significance to implement the agreements reached by the five countries and to undertake military cooperation among them," added Chi, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

Chi spoke highly of the cooperation between China and Russia concerning anti-ballistic missiles. He expressed appreciation for Russia's stance in safeguarding global strategic stability and the Anti-Baillistic Missile Treaty.

Sergeyev said that the talks between the two heads of state this morning will boost cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and other fields.

Development of the strategic partnership of cooperation between Russia and China conforms to the interests of the two sides, he said. And to promote the bilateral military ties will also strengthen state relationship and benefit international security, he added.

Sergeyev stressed that Russia will make joint efforts with other four countries to crack down terrorist, separatist and extremist forces to safeguard regional security and stability, in the spirit of the "Shanghai Five" summit meeting in Dushanbe and the meeting of the defense ministers.

Sergeyev is visiting China with Russian President Vladimir Putin.



People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/