China, Maldives pledge strengthened military ties

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie on Tuesday held talks with Mohamed Nazim, the Maldives' minister of defense and national security, with both sides pledging strengthened military ties. They exchanged views on regional security as well as relations between the two countries and their militaries. Liang said during their talks that China and the Maldives enjoy a long history of friendship and sound development of bilateral relations. He said China will continue to develop friendly, cooperative and mutually beneficial relations with the Maldives under the principle of building a good-neighborly relationship and non-interference in internal affairs. "China has always positively developed its military relations with the Maldives and hopes to enhance communication and cooperation, promote the construction of both militaries and safeguard regional peace and stability.", the defense minister added. Nazim hailed the two countries' good relations and thanked China for its assistance to the Maldives. He said the Maldives will always adhere to the one-China policy and is willing to cement relations between the two countries and their militaries. Prior to their talks, Liang held a welcoming ceremony for Nazim.