Air force chiefs of Korea, China agree on closer cooperation

Air force chiefs of Korea and China agreed to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation during their talks in Beijing Thursday, according to officials of both sides.

Korean Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Kye-hoon and his Chinese counterpart, Xu Qiliang, also agreed to closely cooperate for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and stability in Northeast Asia, said the officials and Yonhap News reported.

"The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is very critical to the stability of Northeast Asia. China has played an important role in the cause and is expected to make greater efforts in the future," Lee was quoted by the officials as saying at the meeting.

In response, Xu promised to play a more active and constructive role in promoting peace in Northeast Asia and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean air force chief arrived in Beijing earlier Thursday.

During his five-day trip to China, Lee will also attend the "Air Force Peace and Development Forum," where he will promote South Korea`s indigenous T-50 and KT-1 trainer planes, according to his aides.