国内英语新闻:Chinese defense minister arrives for friendly visit to Brazil

BRASILIA, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim, Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie arrived on Tuesday in the Brazilian Air Base to begin a goodwill visit to the South American country.

In a written speech released upon his arrival, Liang, also Chinese state councilor, offered his sincere greetings and good wishes to the Brazilian people and armed forces on behalf of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense and the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Liang said the aim of his visit is to strengthen mutual understanding between the two armies, deepen friendship, promote cooperation, and explore more areas for cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.

Liang said that China is keen to develop bilateral relations of the armies, to deepen military cooperation with Brazilian side, to promote relations between the two countries, and devote their due contributions to safeguarding international and regional stability and safety.

During his stay here, Liang will also meet his Brazilian counterpart Nelson Jobim and other high-ranking officials in Brazil. He will also visit some military bases in the South American country.

This is the last leg of Liang's tour of three Latin American countries, which also took him to Mexico and Colombia.