Chinese Defense Ministry on Friday evening hosted a new year's reception for over 200 foreign military attaches and their wives from nearly 80 countries, vowing to fully advance military ties with other countries.

Chinese New Year's Day by lunar calendar, known as the Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 18 this year.

In his toast, Zhang Bangdong, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the ministry, briefed the guests on the achievements that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has scored in its exchanges and cooperation with foreign armed forces in 2006.

Zhang also extended appreciation to foreign military attaches for their efforts to promote military ties with China.

"In 2007, the PLA will enhance military-to-military cooperation, and fully advance ties with other armed forces," he said.

Nigerian Defense Attache Issaka Labo delivered a toast on behalf of the foreign military attaches.

"I hope we can build on the successes of 2006 to make great strides forward in the coming year... I believe this will be an exciting year for our military relationships," said Labo, dean of the foreign military attache corps in Beijing.

Chinese Defense Minister, Vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and State Councilor Cao Gangchuan and six other CMC members, namely Chief of the PLA General Staff Liang Guanglie, Director of the PLA General Political Department Li Jinai,

Director of the PLA General Logistics Department Liao Xilong,

Director of the PLA General Armament Department Chen Bingde, Commander of the PLA Air Force Qiao Qingchen and Commander of the PLA Second Artillery Force Jing Zhiyuan, attended the reception.

Source: Xinhua