China, Belarus to enhance air force cooperation

Commander of Belarus Air Force and Air Defense Oleg Paferov said Thursday that Belarus's air force expects to enhance cooperation and exchanges with China's air force.

Paferov made the remarks when meeting with China's Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan. He said cooperation between the air forces of the two countries have been successful and he expects to strengthen exchanges between the two sides.

He also reiterated that Belarus firmly supports the one-China policy and China's national reunification cause.

Cao said China has a positive attitude towards the development of relationships between the two nations and armed forces on the basis of equal footing and reciprocity. He suggested the two sides work together to implement the consensus reached by the two state heads, raising the all-round friendly cooperation to a higher level.

"China attached great importance to the relationship with Belarus's air force and air defense force," said Cao.

Paferov arrived Wednesday morning for his first visit to China since he became air force chief in December 2001. He is an official goodwill guest of Qiao Qingchen, commander of the Air Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Source: Xinhua