China is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields and push ahead its military relations with Bahrain, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie said in Manama on Thursday.

Liang, also a state councilor, made the remarks during meetings with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salmin bin Hamad bin Al-Khalifa and Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Sulman Al-Khalifa respectively on Thursday.

Liang said China and Bahrain have maintained smooth development of friendly cooperation in all areas since the two sides established diplomatic ties in 1989.

The two countries have strengthened political trust with increasing exchanges of visits and kept good contact and coordination in international and regional affairs, he said.

China appreciates Bahrain's support on issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, he added.

Salmin, who is also acting king and deputy head of Bahrain's armed forces, spoke highly of bilateral ties, saying that Bahrain is committed to building strategic cooperative relations with China which would benefit the people of the two countries.

He expressed hopes to further bilateral state and military relations with joint efforts of both sides.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalifa said Bahrain and China enjoy sound political and economic relations and that Bahrain will step up its cooperation with China to contribute to the regional stability and development.

At the invitation of Bahrain's Defense Ministry, Liang arrived here Wednesday on an official goodwill visit to the Gulf kingdom.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2008)