China, Brazil reach five-point consensus to strenghten military exchanges

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie (L) and visiting Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim inspect the guard of honour in Beijing, China, Nov. 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Liu Jiansheng)

China and Brazil here on Monday reached the five-point consensus to strengthen bilateral military exchanges during talks between their senior military officers.

Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie held talks with visiting Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim Monday afternoon.

The two sides have decided to increase group visits and strengthen young and middle-aged military officer exchanges. They would also seek to expand cooperation on military and personnel training and conduct exchanges and coordination in peacekeeping actions.

China and Brazil would enhance cooperation on military industry and science and technology. And a joint commission of the defense ministries of the two countries would be established for further exchanges and cooperation.

During the talks, Liang said China-Brazil relations have entered a new phase of comprehensive development since Chinese President Hu Jintao and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula visited each other’s country in 2004.

The pragmatic cooperation in various areas between the two countries has been continuously enhanced and their strategic partnership has been increasingly deepened, Liang said, adding that their military ties have developed smoothly with frequent high-level visits and increased pragmatic exchanges and cooperation.

Liang said, the two armed forces are expected to explore new areas of cooperation and further their friendly cooperation.

Nelson Jobim said Brazil hoped to continuously deepen its pragmatic military cooperation with the Chinese armed forces within the framework of their strategic partnership.