Liang Guanglie, member of the Central Military Commission and chief of general staff, met with the visiting Uruguayan Army Commander Jorge Rosales and his party in Beijing yesterday morning.

　　Liang Guanglie started by extending warm welcome to Rosales' visit to China. Liang Guanglie said that since China and Uruguay established diplomatic relations in 1988, the relations between the two countries have been developing smoothly, with the cooperation of mutual benefit being constantly expanded in every field and closer coordination and cooperation being witnessed in international affairs.

　　Liang Guanglie pointed out that on the basis of the good relations between the two countries in recent years, the two armed forces have likewise made much headway in boosting their relations, featuring gradual increase in reciprocal visits between the high-level military leaders and successful exchanges and sound cooperation in professional fields including officer training. The Chinese side cherishes the wish to joint hands with the Uruguayan armed forces in further broadening their fields of exchanges and cooperation and in promoting the in-depth development of their friendly and cooperative relations.

　　Rosales said that the Uruguayan and Chinese armed forces enjoy traditional friendship. Uruguay attaches great importance to the development of friendly relations with China and is willing to develop exchange and cooperation in every sector with the Chinese armed forces.

　　In addition, Liang Guanglie also elaborated on China's principled stand on the Taiwan issue. Rosales stated that the Uruguayan government would stick to the one-China policy as always and the Uruguayan military would support their government's stand.

　　Zhang Li, deputy chief of general staff of the PLA, was present at the meeting.

　　By Zhang Tiannan

　　(Aug 14, PLA Daily)