Chinese, Mali Military Leaders Hold TalksChinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian held talks Tuesday with the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans of Mali Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga.Chi, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said although China and Mali are geographically far apart, their people enjoy a traditional friendship. He said that the exchange of visits by state leaders of the two countries have deepened mutual understanding and friendship and bilateral cooperation has been growing steadily since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Chi said that the Chinese government is thankful to the Mali government for its adherence to the one-China position and for its consistent support to China on the human rights issue. Chi said that the Chinese armed forces have always attached importance to friendly cooperation with the armed forces of Mali and the relations between them have made satisfactory development over the past years. The exchange of high-level visits between the two countries' armed forces have also furthered their mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation, he said. Maiga said that the two countries armed forces have conducted effective cooperation in recent years. He said he hopes the two sides will join hands to push forward the friendly cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces. Prior to the talks, Chi held a welcoming ceremony for the Mali guest. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |