Visiting Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Romanian counterpart Teodor Atanasiu held official talks in Bucharest on Monday to discuss military ties between the two nations.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said China-Romania relations had enjoyed sustained development since both sides established diplomatic relations 57 years ago.

In recent years, Cao said, relations between the two armies had continued to develop under the new historical conditions.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army was willing to join hands with Romanian armed forces to consolidate and develop relations between the two armies on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and common development, he added.

Atanasiu said in recent years, relations between the two armies had developed smoothly. The two countries had deepened their cooperation to a broader and deeper extent and personnel training had brought about fruitful results.

The Romanian side hoped that the two armies would further strengthen exchanges and cooperation, he said.

Atanasiu staged a grand reception for Cao's visit and accompanied him for a review of the army, navy and air forces. After the meeting, Cao made a speech with the title: "China's peaceful development road and modernization of national defence."

Cao arrived in the Romanian capital of Bucharest on Sunday for a two-day official goodwill visit at the invitation of Atanasiu.

Source: Xinhua