Ge Zhenfeng, deputy chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army, left Beijing Tuesday afternoon for a visit to Norway and Portugal.

Ge is paying the official and friendly visit at the invitation of the militaries of the two countries. During his visit, he will have a chance to meet the military leaders of the two countries, sources from the foreign affairs office of the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

"They will discuss the possibility for the substantial military cooperation," said an officer with the ministry's office.

Ge's visit is also aimed at promoting the state relations between China and the two countries, the officer added. This year marks 50th anniversary of Sino-Norwegian ties as well as 25th anniversary of Sino-Portuguese ties.

Ge was conferred the rank of general, second only to first-class general in the Chinese army, on June 20 along with the other 14 senior military officers.

Source: Xinhua