Chinese, Polish DMs vow to enhance military ties

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with his Polish counterpart Tomasz Siemoniak in Warsaw on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to boost bilateral military ties.

During the meeting, Liang, also a Chinese state councilor, said it is in the interests of both nations to boost bilateral military ties, which is also conducive to regional and world peace and stability.

Noting the Sino-Polish relations have witnessed sound development over the past years, Liang said bilateral military ties, as an important part of bilateral relationship, have also grown rapidly with military exchanges and cooperation at various levels having been strengthened.

China stands ready to work with Poland to advance practical exchanges and cooperation in such areas as high-level contacts, military drills, personnel training and military culture in a bid to promote the development of their military ties and contribute to the China-Poland strategic partnership, he said.

Siemoniak, for his part, said Liang's visit was the first by a Chinese defense minister in 57 years and that its positive effect will go beyond the scope of bilateral military ties.

Poland is willing to make concerted efforts with China to promote mutual understanding and trust and enhance exchanges and cooperation in a broad range of areas so as to upgrade their military ties, he said.

Liang arrived here Tuesday for an official goodwill visit.

Poland is the last leg of Liang's three-nation tour, which has already taken him to the United States and Latvia.