BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met with Jorge Rojas, air force commander-in-chief of Chile on Tuesday, pledging to strengthen ties between the two countries' defense departments.

Liang commended the frequent visits between the two defense departments and the two militaries, growing bilateral communication in professional areas, and the progress of personnel training.

"It is of fundamental interest of the two countries to develop military-to-military relations. China hopes to make joint efforts to consolidate cooperation, explore new areas for cooperation, and expand the connotation of cooperation," he said, "China also hopes to strengthen relations between the two air forces and make positive efforts to enhance bilateral military ties."

Rojas said Chile is willing to improve communication and cooperation with China in personnel training and in professional fields as well as promoting ties between the two air forces.