Visiting Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie discussed bilateral cooperation with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics in a meeting Tuesday.

During their talks, Liang said friendly cooperation has been the mainstream in the development of bilateral ties since China and Latvia established diplomatic relations 21 years ago.

Liang, who is also a Chinese state counselor, said he had in-depth exchanges of views with Latvian government and military leaders on further promoting contacts and cooperation in the area of defense and reached broad consensus.

He said China attached great importance to its military ties with Latvia and stood ready to make joint efforts to implement the consensus the two sides had reached in a bid to lift their military relations to a higher level.

Rinkevics said Liang's visit offered an important opportunity to enhance cooperation in defense and security between the two nations.

Latvia was willing to promote cooperation with China in various areas within the bilateral framework and that of the European Union.

Liang is currently on a three-nation tour, which has previously taken him to the United States. He will also visit Poland after his tour in Latvia.

(Xinhua News Agency May 15, 2012)