Chinese defense minister starts visit to Egypt

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan arrived in Cairo Friday night on a five-day visit to Egypt for talks on bilateral cooperation in the military domain.

"China attaches great importance to friendly relations with Egypt," Cao said in a speech upon his arrival.

"I am here to promote friendship and cooperation between our two countries and armed forces," he said, expressing his belief that the visit will further strengthen the existing cooperative ties between the two sides.

Cao is expected to meet with President Hosni Mubarak and Minister of Defense and Military Production Mohammed Hussein Tantawi on Saturday.