"Friendly relations between our Armed Forces are not aimed against third countries. We maintain these relations with a sole purpose of mutual development of our military potentials and to preserve stability in the region," the Chinese minister said.
Mr. Cao Gangchuan underlined that during the talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov, the sides confirmed all previous agreements between the two countries.
"We must remain eternal neighbors, friends and goodwill partners," he continued.
"Both countries believe that military cooperation is an important aspect of our relations and we will continue developing this cooperation in the future according to instructions provided by the leaders of our nations," Mr. Cao Gangchuan added.
The Chinese minister revealed that the cooperation between Russia and China would develop in the following directions: continuation of mutual goodwill visits, development of the program of joint exercises and preparation of military cadre.
According to the Russian Defense Minister, the first joint Russian-Chinese military maneuvers will be held in 2005 on the Chinese territory.
"For the first time in history, the large-scale joint military exercises will be held on the territory of the People's Republic of China," he said.
In his turn, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan stated that the upcoming maneuvers are the logical result of the developing military cooperation between the two countries.
"Our armies are strong. They are great world-class armies. We can learn from our mutual experience through joint military exercises," he said.
"Thanks to joint exercises our countries can reach better mutual understanding," he added.
