Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Monday that China cherishes the friendly cooperation with the Hungarian army and is ready to press ahead with closer the relations between the two armies.

Cao, also state councilor and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, made this remark during a meeting with Imre Ivancsik, political state secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Defense.

Cao noted China thanks the Hungarian government's understanding and support to its national reunification cause.

China and Hungary have maintained deep friendship since they forged full diplomatic ties more than 50 years ago and the two countries have improved their mutual understanding and trust in recent years with increasing political exchanges.

The Chinese army attaches great importance to its friendly, cooperative relations with the Hungarian army and is willing to boost bilateral military exchanges and cooperation in all fields, he said.

Ivancsik said Hungary adheres to the one-China policy and hopes China would realize its peaceful reunification.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2004)