Chen holds talks with Uzbekistan chief of general staff

Chen Bingde, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), held talks with Makhmutov, the visiting chief of the general staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Uzbekistan Armed Forces, on the morning of April 13, 2012 in Beijing.

Chen Bingde extended his welcome to Makhmutov and his delegation for their visit to China. He said Uzbekistan is a friendly neighbour of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Uzbekistan, the bilateral relations have been developing smoothly as evidenced by close contacts among high-ranking officials of the two countries, mutual unwavering support on major issues of common concern and ever-increasing pragmatic cooperation in various fields including economy and trade, energy, security and humanity. The friendly cooperation between the two countries has brought real benefits to their people.

Chen Bingde said that the relations between the two militaries are on the whole maintaining a healthy and stable momentum of development as evidenced by increasingly expanded cooperation. The Chinese military regards the Uzbekistan military as a good friend and good partner, takes a positive attitude to further strengthen pragmatic exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two militaries and hopes to promote the friendly cooperation between the two militaries to a new high level through joint efforts.

Makhmutov said that the Uzbekistan side speaks highly of the development achievements made by the Chinese economy and society and highly commends China for its important constructive role in international and regional affairs. This year coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and China and the Uzbekistan side expresses gratitude to the Chinese side for its long-term support and help to the building of the Uzbekistan military and hopes to further develop and continually expand the pragmatic exchanges and cooperation in various fields such as military training, military education and personnel training between the two militaries.

Salakhitdinov, Uzbekistan Ambassador to China, attended the talks.

Before the talks, Chen Bingde held a welcome ceremony for Makhmutov and accompanied him to review the guard of honor of the PLA three services.