China and Ukraine on Monday vowed to further develop ties between their armed forces.

Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan on Monday morning met with the Chief of General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces Serhi Kyrychenko. The Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China Chen Bingde also held talks with Kyrychenko. The military officers from both China and Ukraine highlighted the importance to enhance bilateral friendship and cooperation between the two sides.

Cao said in his meeting with Kyrychenko that China appreciated Ukraine's adherence to the one-China policy and is willing to bring the relationship between the two countries and that between the two armed forces to a new high on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference into each other's internal affairs.

Kyrychenko said Ukraine hopes to make new contributions to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the two armed forces.

Chen said in his talks with Kyrychenko that China and Ukraine treat each other as sincere friends and reliable partners, conduct cooperation and exchanges with each other and support each other in dealing with international affairs, adding that the PLA is willing to make joint efforts with the armed forces of Ukraine to develop their relationship in different areas and at various levels.

Kyrychenko echoed that Ukraine is also holding an active attitude towards developing the friendly ties with the PLA.

Kyrychenko started his four-day official visit to China on Dec. 9 at the invitation of Chen.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2007)