MOSCOW. April 18 (Interfax) - New Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu's choice of Russia for his first foreign visit aims to show the world China's firm intention to enhance strategic interaction with the country, Li said at a meeting with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Tuesday.
"After being appointed defense minister, the destination for [my] first visit is Russia in particular, to demonstrate to the outside world the high level of Chinese-Russian relations and [our] resolve to enhance strategic interaction between the Chinese and Russian armed forces," Li said.
Li thanked Shoigu for his warm welcome in Russia, and noted that the Russian defense minister was the first person to send him a letter and congratulate him on being appointed to his position. "I have no doubt that we will maintain good working and personal relations," he said.