Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei said that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is ready to further deepen interaction and cooperation with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Addressing a reception held to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lu Mei said that China and Azerbaijan are comprehensive strategic partners and that bilateral relations are developing steadily under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries.

The ambassador emphasized that military cooperation is an important area of bilateral strategic partnership.

"The Chinese army is ready to further deepen interaction and cooperation with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, as well as make new contributions to the development of bilateral cooperation," the diplomat said.

He noted that China is committed to working with Azerbaijan to implement important agreements reached between the heads of state, expand cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing capabilities in artificial intelligence and other fields, and jointly promoting peace and development in the region and the world.

Lu Mei noted that the Chinese People's Liberation Army, established in 1927, has consistently fulfilled its mission of safeguarding the country's state sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and development interests.

"The Chinese People's Liberation Army is not only an important force serving the maintenance of world peace, but also plays a significant role in strengthening global stability," the ambassador said.

He added that the Chinese Armed Forces actively participate in UN peacekeeping operations, international humanitarian assistance efforts and missions aimed at responding to natural disasters.

"Peace and development are the common aspirations of all peoples," Lu Mei said, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping's concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and his global initiatives. He noted that this approach opens up new prospects for lasting peace, global security and common prosperity.