Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Monday met?in Beijing?with visiting Tongan Defense Minister Sonatane Tupou. They expressed the hope of enhancing exchange and cooperation between the two armed forces.

Hailing the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 10 years ago, Liang, also a state councilor, noted the two nations had a fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, trade, agriculture and education, and kept a sound coordination in regional and international affairs.

He said the two armed forces had constantly made new progress in bilateral relations, with frequent high level visits and sound momentum in the exchange of personnel training and other fields.

Speaking highly of the military relations, Liang said China would work with Tonga to expand exchanges and increase pragmatic cooperation between the two armed forces.

Tupou expressed his sympathy and condolence to China's quake victims, saying China's quick and effective response had been spoken highly of by the international community.

Tonga would like to strengthen its comprehensive cooperation with China, and the Tongan government would persistently adhere to the one-China policy, he said.

Liang expressed his appreciation for that.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2008)