BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said here Thursday that China will work with Kazakhstan to increase cooperation in defense and security.

    Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, was speaking in a meeting with Kazakhstan's firstdeputy defense minister and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff B. Darbekov.

    Cao said China and Kazakhstan, as friendly neighbors and strategic partners, enjoy fruitful cooperation in trade, energy, transport, security and culture, with concrete benefits for both peoples.

    Military relations have developed soundly with group exchanges and personnel training and the Chinese government is ready to expand relations, Cao said.

    Cao said China will work with Kazakhstan to increase cooperation in defense to safeguard security and stability in the region and to extend the two countries' strategic partnership.

    Darbekov, who attended the defense ministers meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) here on Wednesday, praised the Chinese government's efforts in hosting the meeting.

    He said he appreciated China's assistance for Kazakhstan, saying China will remain a good friend and neighbor.

    At Wednesday's meeting, defense ministers from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to enhance defense cooperation and to stage a joint anti-terrorist military exercise in Russia in 2007. Enditem