14:37 GMT, October 28, 2009 BEIJING | China and Malawi agreed to advance the friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces, senior military officers from the two countries said here Tuesday, according to the state-run Xinhua press agency.

Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission met with visiting Malawian Defense Minister Mohammed Sidik Mia Tuesday afternoon.

Guo said, China and Malawi have actively implemented the consensus reached by their state leaders, promoted cooperation in various fields and made great progress in related areas since they forged diplomatic ties in Dec. 2007.

The past years have witnessed the close political exchanges, increasingly deepened mutual understanding and trust as well as a rapid growth of economic and trade cooperation between both sides, said Guo, adding that fact has proven that their friendly cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the peoples and are in keeping with their aspiration and fundamental interests.

Guo said, China-Malawi military ties, which were established not long ago, have grown fast with steady progress in their cooperation and boast high development potential.

He said, the Chinese armed forces would like to work with Malawian armed forces to increase personnel exchanges and expand cooperation areas, so as to push their relations to new height.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with Mohammed Sidik Mia before the meeting.

Liang said, China appreciated Malawi's adherence to the one-China policy and was willing to make unremitting efforts for its healthy, stable and long-term relations of friendship and cooperation with Malawi.

Mohammed Sidik Mia said Malawi regards China as its sincere friend.

Malawian military hoped to learn the experience of the Chinese armed forces and boost bilateral cooperation on personnel training through this visit, he said.

At the invitation of Liang, Mohammed Sidik Mia arrived in Beijing on Monday, starting his 8-day official visit to China.


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