Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan (R) meets with Swiss President Ueli Maurer in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2013. Maurer is in China to attend the Eco-Forum Global in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Defense Minister Chang Wanquan met with Swiss President Ueli Maurer on Thursday to discuss improving cooperation between the two countries' militaries.

Chang, also a state councilor, said that with China and Switzerland maintaining high-level military contacts, institutionalized exchanges and specific cooperation between the two militaries have developed smoothly.

He said both sides should explore new fields of cooperation in order to promote the progress of military exchanges and cooperation.

Maurer said Switzerland attaches importance to developing relations with China and is happy to see China play a more important role in international affairs.

More cooperation between the Swiss and Chinese militaries will benefit both sides, he said.

Maurer, also head of the Swiss Federal Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports, will attend the Eco-Forum Global to be held from Friday to Sunday in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province.