China will conduct more military exchanges with Kazakhstan to promote friendly bilateral ties, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing on Wednesday.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and State Councilor, made the statement at a meeting with Almaz Abdulymanov, vice chairman of the Committee of the Chief of Staff and chief of the Department of Operation Planning of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Defense.

Cao noted that friendly relations and cooperation between China and Kazakhstan have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties more than 10 years ago.

The two armies began to conduct exchanges in 1993. They have maintained frequent high-level visits between military officials, and bilateral military cooperation has continually expanded and deepened, Cao added.

Abdulymanov expressed appreciation for China's support and help for Kazakhstan's armed forces. He said he hopes relations between the two countries and the two armies will continue to develop soundly.

He also said that Kazakhstan is concerned about the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and is willing to cooperate with China to fight them.

(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2004)