BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), met with visiting Malaysian defense ministry secretary general Abdul Rahim here on Monday.

　　Rahim is here to attend the China-Malaysia Second Defense and Security Consultation.

　　Describing the two nations as important players for safeguarding regional peace and stability, Xu called for their militaries to strengthen strategic mutual trust, carry out pragmatic exchanges, and cooperate on issues concerning the two countries' core interests.

　　Malaysia and China enjoy long-standing friendship and the two countries' military exchanges have a sound and solid foundation, Rahim said, expressing hope that his visit will further boost bilateral cooperation.