BEIJING - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie met Friday with Indonesian Vice Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoedin, pledging to promote bilateral defense cooperation.

Liang, also a State Councilor, said China attached great importance to developing friendly ties with Indonesia and was ready to promote the strategic partnership for greater development.

He spoke highly of bilateral defense cooperation, saying remarkable progress had been made, while exchanges and cooperation had been good in security cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels.

"We hope both sides will strengthen cooperation to promote inter-military relations and contribute to peace and development in the region," Liang said.

Sjafrie hailed the rapid growth of defense cooperation between Indonesia and China, saying his country was ready to work with China to promote cooperation in defense and regional security affairs.

He said the two sides should deepen the strategic partnership and strive for peace and stability in the region.