China, Mozambique pledge closer military cooperation

China and Mozambique on Thursday pledged to boost military cooperation as Mozambican Defense Minister Filipe Nyusi visited the Asian country.

Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, met with Nyusi in Beijing, hailing the traditional friendship and military ties between the two nations in recent decades.

During the meeting, the vice chairman voiced appreciation for the Mozambican side's support on major issues concerning China's core interests.

Nyusi's visit will help to boost the bilateral military relationship, according to Xu.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie also held talks with his Mozambican counterpart on Thursday.

Liang, who is also a state councilor, said the Chinese military cherishes the friendship with it Mozambican counterpart and would like to expand cooperation to push their ties to a higher level.

Nyusi briefed the Chinese side on Mozambique's economic and social development as well as security challenges facing the country. Mozambique is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to explore new means of cooperation to improve the capability of the armed forces of the African country and to further advance cooperation between the two nations, he added.