SINGAPORE, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chief of General Staff of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chen Bingde called on Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and military officials on Friday.

    During his meeting with Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Teo Chee Hean, Chen said that China and Singapore share common strategic interests in economic development and regional security. In recent years, bilateral military relations have made great progress, he said, adding that the two sides have maintained frequent high level visits and improved the communication and cooperation mechanism. Cooperations on staff training, joint military exercises and ship visits have also been fruitful.

Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Teo Chee Hean (R) meets with visiting Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde in Singapore Oct. 23, 2009

Chen, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China, called on the two sides to further increase communication and extend new cooperation areas to bring the bilateral military relations to a higher level.

    Teo Chee Hean said that Singapore cherishes the relationship with China and welcomes China to make positive contribution to regional and international development and security. He said that Singapore is willing to join hands with China to enhance the bilateral relationship and multilateral cooperation.

Singaporean Chief of Defense Force Desmond Kuek (R) exchanges gifts with visiting Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Chief of General Staff Chen Bingde during their meeting in Singapore Oct. 23, 2009

Earlier Friday, Chen also met with Singapore Chief of Defense Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek. Kuek said that Singapore is satisfied with the development of bilateral military relations. He said that the two sides should continue visit exchanges and strengthen the cooperation in non-traditional and multilateral security cooperation.

    Chen is here on an official visit at the invitation of Desmond Kuek from Oct. 22 to 24.