Chinese Defense Minister Meets Italian GuestsChinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian met in Beijing with Alberto Zlgnani, Italian defense secretary-general, and his party.Chi, also a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said Chinese government and armed forces have valued the relations with its Italian counterparts, and in recent years, the leaders of the two countries exchanged visits frequently so that Sino-Italian relationship has been elevated to a new height. He said the military contacts between China and Italy have also promoted as the state relations developed. Chi voiced his hope that the visit of Zlgnani will further the military relations of the two countries. Zlgnani said the improvement of the Sino-Italian relations benefits both Italy and China, adding that the Italian armed forces will promote the cooperation with its Chinese counterparts. Cao Gangchuan, a member of the Central Military Commission and director of the General Armament Department of Chinese People's Liberation Army, attended the meeting. The Italian guests are visiting China at the invitation of Cao. |
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