UPDATE - Chinese, Russian defense ministers discuss military cooperation

UPDATES WITH MEETING DETAILS, CHANGES LEDE, HEADLINE, DECK

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun held talks with his visiting Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov in Beijing on Monday to discuss military cooperation between the two sides.

Dong said the two militaries should follow the direction guided by the two heads of state to deepen strategic coordination, improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation, push forward the development of military-to-military relations, firmly safeguard the common interests of the two countries, and work together to maintain global strategic stability.

Belousov, who arrived in Beijing earlier in the day on an official visit, termed the military cooperation between Russia and China an important factor in maintaining global and regional peace and stability, a statement from Chinese Defense Ministry said.

"Russia is willing to work with China to firmly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, continue to carry out close and efficient cooperation, constantly improve the level and quality of cooperation, jointly cope with security challenges, and push bilateral military relations to a new level," he was quoted as saying.

According to a statement by the Russian Defense Ministry, Belousov was to engage in a series of discussions with China’s military and military-political leadership.

Belousov was welcomed with an official ceremony after which he paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.

*With contributions by Aamir Latif