China, DRC seek to further military ties

China and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Beijing on Wednesday vowed to further military ties asa military officer from the DRC is visiting China.

At the invitation of Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie, the DRC Defense Minister Charles Mwando Simba arrived in Beijing on Oct. 17, starting his 7-day official visit to China.

The Chinese people and the DRC people share deep traditional friendship, Liang said when holding talks with Simba.

Recent years has witnessed a continuous development of the bilateral friendly relations and achievements in their political, economic and cultural cooperation, said Liang, adding that the two countries have always supported each other and worked together closely in the international affairs.

Liang said, China always pays attention to and supports the peace process of the DRC and has actively taken part in the UN peace-keeping actions in this country.

Liang expressed China's willingness to further play a constructive role in the realization of the long-term peace and stability in the DRC and in the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes region comprises countries sharing Kivu, Albert, Edward, Victoria, Mweru and Tanganyika lakes, including Burundi, Central African Republic, the DRC, Kenya, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan and Uganda.

He said, the Chinese armed forces attach great importance to their relations with the military of the DRC and would like to work jointly with the DRC to advance the bilateral military ties.

Simba said, the DRC always regards China as its sincere friend.

The DRC was willing to work together with China to promote the development of the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, said Simba.

Source:Xinhua