Chinese defense minister visits Zimbabwe, pledging to strengthen ties

HARARE, March 26 -- Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Thursday pledged to continue bilateral military exchanges and deepen cooperation between the armies of China and Zimbabwe as he wrapped up his two-day visit to the southern African country.

During his visit, Chang met Vice President Phelekezera Mphoko, who is the acting president of Zimbabwe as Robert Mugabe is on a foreign visit, held talks with Zimbabwean Defense Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, and visited the Chinese-built Defense College on the outskirts of Harare.

Chang told Mphoko that China and Zimbabwe's friendship withstood changes of time. Over the past 35 years since the two established diplomatic ties, China and Zimbabwe have been giving each other understanding and support. Last year, during President Robert Mugabe's state visit to China, he and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached consensus on the course of developing bilateral ties.

Chang said the Chinese military is willing to join hands with its Zimbabwean counterpart to further exchanges and deepen cooperation to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

Mphoko commended Chinese military's long-time support to Zimbabwe, which includes training of the personnel, and said Zimbabwe regards China as a trust-worthy friend and he wishes that the two sides can further boost ties to a new high.