Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Zambian counterpart George Mpombo agreed in Beijing Wednesday to further expand cooperation between the two countries' armed forces.

In his talks with Mpombo, Cao said the people of China and Zambia enjoy a traditional friendship and support each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have conducted fruitful cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other fields.

Cao said the Chinese armed forces treasure their friendship with the Zambian army, and are ready to enhance cooperation in various fields.

Cao also expressed appreciation for the Zambian government's adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China in international affairs such as on human rights issues.

Mpombo, who started his China tour on Tuesday as a guest of Cao, said the friendly cooperative ties between the two armed forces have been consolidated and strengthened in recent years.

The Zambian army attaches great importance to its relations with the Chinese armed forces, and will continue to promote exchanges in a variety of fields, Mpombo said.

(Xinhua News Agency June 20, 2007)