The strengthening of Sino-Egyptian cooperation is conducive to helping maintain regional and world peace, a Chinese military leader said here on Tuesday.

"Sino-Egyptian strategic relations of cooperation have been further developed  in recent years, thanks to efforts made by leaders of the two countries," Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, told Egyptian Defense Minister Mohammed Hussein Tantawi during their talks.

"The two countries have had fruitful cooperation in political, economic and other areas, and military-to-military ties have also been advanced," Guo said.

Guo also voiced his appreciation for Egypt's important role in regional and international affairs, especially in helping maintain regional peace and stability as well as rallying Arab unity.

Pointing to the smooth development of ties between the two countries and their armed forces, Tantawi said that Egypt was satisfied with it, and his country was prepared to further promote bilateral relations in the years to come.

The friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces have played an active role in helping achieve peace in the Middle East and the world at large, he said.

During the talks, the two sides agreed to expand areas of cooperation and upgrade such cooperation between the two countries and their armed forces.

Guo arrived here Monday as part of his three-nation tour, which has taken him to Russia and South Africa.

From Xinhua net  http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-07/14/content_1598180.htm