Foreign and Military Affairs

Chinese, Chilean navy commanders discuss ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-09 17:53

SANTIAGO - Chinese Navy Commander Admiral Wu Shengli and Chilean Navy Commander-in-Chief Edmundo Gonzalez Robels exchanged views on Monday on enhancing communications between the two navies.

The Chilean navy had a history of 200 years and a fine tradition, while the Chinese navy was relatively young and the two had been maintaining friendly exchanges, Wu said at Valparaiso, the headquarters of the Chilean Navy.

Wu expressed his willingness to strengthen communications between the two sides and learn from each other on the occasion of the visit.

He said the Chilean navy played an important role in rescuing 33 trapped miners in October, adding that the rescue attracted China's and the world's attention and the success was worth learning from and promoting.

Gonzalez said the Chilean navy appreciated China's firm support for Chile to join the Western Pacific Naval Symposium and that Chile was willing to continue the friendly exchanges as always.

Wu arrived in Chile on Sunday evening for a four-day visit. He is expected to meet Chile's Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet and Chief of Staff of the National Defense Cristian Le Dantec on Tuesday.