BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- The sixth China-Latin America High-Level Defense Forum was held on Friday in Beijing, with defense and military officials of China and 18 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries pledging deeper security cooperation.

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun made a keynote speech at the forum, noting that China is willing to work with LAC countries to foster closer and more resilient defense ties that are flexible, pragmatic and grounded in strong mutual trust.

Based on such efforts, China and LAC countries can create a model of security cooperation among Global South countries and further contribute to building a China-LAC community with a shared future, Dong said.

Representatives of LAC countries at the forum noted that they regard China as a trustworthy friend and partner, and look forward to further enhancing mutual trust and friendship with the Chinese military, with deeper exchanges and cooperation.