Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Monday with Jo Myongrok, first deputy chairman of the Defense Commission of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and director general of the Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army.

Cao, also vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK was forged and fostered by their state leaders.

China was willing to make joint efforts with the DPRK to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and maintain regional peace and stability, he said.

Cao also briefed the guests on China's stance on international issues and the Korean Peninsula.

Jo said the profound friendship of the two sides had stood the test of history, stressing the DPRK valued friendly and cooperative relations with China.

The development of friendly relations between the two armies was vital to friendly relations between the two countries, he said, adding Korea would make efforts to strengthen those relations.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2003)