Chinese, Russian militaries hold consultations

Senior Chinese and Russian military officers on Tuesday met in Beijing to discuss arms control and the fight against terrorism among other issues.

Zhang Qinsheng, assistant chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), and Alexander Rukshin, deputy chief of General Staff of the Russian armed forces, jointly presided over the consultations.

They conferred on regional and international situations, major international issues, arms control, the fight against terrorism and the structure of their forces.

The armed forces of the two countries have maintained annual consultations since 1997. They are regarded as an important channel to reinforce mutual trust and cement exchanges and cooperation.

Liang Guanglie, chief of the Chinese PLA General Staff, said the talks were effective in promoting mutual understanding.

Liang said the growth of friendship and cooperation accorded with their national interests, and helped to promote peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

He voiced his satisfaction with the development of relations between the two armed forces.

Rukshin said that the Russian side valued friendly, cooperative military relations with China, hoping that the talks would help the two armed forces strengthen communication and cooperation.

Source: Xinhua