China, Suriname agree to advance military ties

• Source: Xinhua
• [16:42 June 11 2009]
• Comments

China is willing to work with Suriname to deepen bilateral military communication and cooperation, said a senior Chinese military official here Wednesday.

Chen Bingde, Chief of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army, met with Ernst Mercuur, Commander of the Suriname Armed Forces, in Beijing Wednesday.

Chen said Suriname is one of the first Caribbean countries that the Chinese armed forces carried out exchanges with.

"China-Suriname military ties are an important part of bilateral ties," said Chen, adding that enhanced communications and cooperation between the two armed forces are beneficial to increasing mutual trust.

Chen also expressed appreciation for Suriname's adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China's peaceful reunification.

Mercuur reaffirmed that the Surinamese government and armed forces have consistently supported the one-China policy.

He voiced satisfaction for bilateral military cooperation, especially in personnel training. He also hoped the two sides can strengthen friendly exchanges and expand areas of cooperation.

At Chen's invitation, Mercuur was on a week-long visit to China which began Monday. Surinamese Defense Minister Ivan Fernald paid a visit to China in April 2008.

China and Suriname established diplomatic ties 33 years ago.