Chinese military official meets Maldives defence minister

Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of Communist Party of China (CPC), met with Mohamed Nazim, the Maldives\' minister of defence and national security on Tuesday, with both sides agreeing to expand military cooperation. Xu said during their meeting that the two countries have in recent years increased mutual political trust, expanded trade and economic cooperation, diversified cultural exchanges and set an example for countries to treat each other as equals and cooperate with sincerity. \"The two militaries should continue to enhance high-level contact, strengthen pragmatic cooperation, expand the scope of cooperation and upgrade military relations,\" Xu added. Xu also briefed Nazim on the recently concluded 18th CPC National Congress, saying that China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit and commit itself to world peace and development. Nazim warmly congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the congress, saying that the Maldives firmly believes China will continue its peaceful development and make greater contribution to world peace. He said the Maldives hopes to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two countries as well as their militaries, jointly address common challenges and meet opportunities so as to promote the two countries\' relations to a higher level.