Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan Tuesday met with Chief of the Air Force Staff of Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman and Thai Navy Chief Satirapan Keyanon, respectively.

During a meeting with Ziaur, Cao reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and two armies, and hailed the fruitful cooperation between the two sides.

China appreciates the firm support by the Bangladeshi government and army to China on the Taiwan issue, and will work with them to maintain regional peace and stability, and promote common development and prosperity, Cao said.

Ziaur said Bangladesh highly values its relations with China, which is its sincere and reliable friend. Bangladesh is willing to further bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the two armies.

Ziaur also reaffirmed the country's firm adherence to the one-China policy, saying Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

During a meeting with Satirapan, Cao spoke highly of the smooth development of bilateral relations since establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago.

He thanked Thailand for its understanding and support on the Taiwan issue and the Tibet issue.

China will join hands with Thailand to continue to promote bilateral relations between the two countries and the two armies, Cao said.

Satirapan said the two sides have forged traditional friendship and maintained close cooperation. Thailand attaches great importance to ties with China and will work with China to further promote this relationship.

(Xinhua News Agency July 11, 2007)