Latvian defense minister says China a good partner

Latvia regards China as a good partner and relations between the two countries have witnessed smooth and healthy development in recent years, Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said Wednesday.

The relationship would continue to be on the right track and go deeper and deeper in such fields as culture, economy and politics, Pabriks, who visited China in late November, told Xinhua.

China is an important country in the world, while the Baltic region is an important region in Europe, he said, adding that interests of the two sides should converge.

Pabriks called on the two countries to enhance military cooperation, saying they should strengthen military personnel exchanges.

He hoped that Chinese military representatives would attend the Baltic security and political meetings held in September of each year and participate in military exercises in Latvia and the Baltic region as an observer.

In addition to military and defense cooperation, Latvia and China should also strengthen economic cooperation and boost bilateral investment, said the minister.

As the first Latvian official who visited China after the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Pabriks was deeply impressed by the new leadership's blueprint for building a well-off society.

Talking about his visit to China, he said he appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Chinese history and culture, adding that he witnessed China's great achievements.

Pabriks said Latvians and Europeans have a keen interest in the Chinese culture, such as the martial arts, a sports activity which he said could retain a sense of balance in life.

"People will find life balance in the Chinese martial arts and the Chinese (culture) will give people more chances," he said.