Vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong met with Mali Defense Minister Tieman Coulibaly in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to strengthen military cooperation.
Fan said China considered Mali a close partner and friend in Africa, citing cooperation in international affairs over the years.
China is willing to play a positive role in promoting peace and stability in Mali, added Fan.
China attaches great importance to military-to-military ties with Mali and is ready to work with Mali to enhance exchanges and cooperation as well as deepen military ties, said Fan.
Coulibaly thanked China for its long term support and assistance. He hoped the two parties would promote military ties and further strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields including peacekeeping operations and personnel training.
