17:24 GMT, November 10, 2009 BEIJING | As the state-run Xinhua press agency reports, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met here Monday with State Secretary of Serbia's Ministry of Defense Igor Jovicic, who is on a week-long visit to China.

Liang, who is also a state councillor, said traditional friendship of the two countries are deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. The mutual understanding and support between the two nations are constant no matter how the international situation changes. The Chinese side is willing to work with the Serbian side to further push forward bilateral relations.

He said relations between the two military forces have developed smoothly in recent years and there were frequent high-level visits and fruitful cooperation in profession exchanges and training. With joint efforts of the two sides, the friendship was bound to be further pushed forward.

Liang visited Serbia this September, which marked the first official visit to Belgrade paid by a Chinese defense minister in 25 years.

Jovicic said Serbia's military force attaches great importance to developing ties with its Chinese counterpart, and is willing to make continuous efforts to uplift the bilateral military relations to a new height.

China's development is conducive to safeguarding global and regional peace and stability, said Jovicic.

China and Serbia established strategic partnership during Serbian President Boris Tadic's state visit to China in August.


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