Chinese Defense Minister Ends Visit to TunisiaChinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian left Tunis for home November 23 after a four-day official visit to Tunisia.Before departure, Chi, also vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and member of the State Council, described the visit as "fruitful and successful." The visit enhanced the mutual friendship and understanding between the peoples and armies of the two countries, he said. During the visit, Chi met with Tunisian President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali, who spoke highly of the achievements made by China in the economic construction since adopting the reform and open policy and China's role in the international affairs. Chi also met with Tunisian Defense Minister Mohamed Jegham to discuss the prospects of cooperation between the two armies and review the general situation in China and China's positions on some current issues, including the situation in the Middle East. Chi thanked Tunisia for its support for China, expressing satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations and mutual understanding. He said China was ready to study all ways of enhancing military cooperation with Tunisia. Chi and his party arrived here Monday on the last leg of his North Africa tour that had taken him to Algeria and Morocco. Tunisian President Meets with Chinese Defense MinisterTunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali met with Chi Haotian and his high-level military delegation on Tuesday, November 21.Ben Ali warmly welcomed the visit of Chi and his delegation, and asked Chi to convey his regards to Chinese President Jiang Zemin. |
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