Chen Bingde, member of the Central Military Commission and chief of general staff of the PLA, held talks with Gen. Sami Annan, the visiting chief of staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces in Beijing yesterday morning.

　　Chen Bingde said the traditional friendship between the Chinese and Egyptian peoples has a long history. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries over 50 years ago, the profound friendship between the two countries has remained unchanged, and the two countries have carried out fruitful cooperation in political, economic, cultural and other fields. Meanwhile the relations between the two militaries have also witnessed satisfactory development. The Chinese military holds a positive attitude toward further development of relations between the two militaries and would like to work together with the Egyptian friends to actively promote the exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries.

　　Chen Bingde also briefed his guests on China's national defense policy and the army building as well as the army's active participation in the quake relief operations.

　　Annan first extended sympathy and solicitude to quake-hit victims in Sichuan Province and he expressed his belief that the Chinese people will surely be able to overcome all kinds of difficulties. Annan also expressed the hope that the two militaries would further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

　　Before the talks, Chen Bingde held a welcoming ceremony in honor of Annan and accompanied him to review guard of honor of the three services.

　　By Luo Zheng

　　(June 2, PLA Daily)                                             Editor: Chen Jie