China always attaches importance to enhancing friendly cooperation with African countries, Defense Minister Chi Haotian said Tuesday in Beijing.
Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, made the remarks at a meeting with Ltg Gilbert Lebeko Romano, chief of the South African army and his party.
Chi said that Chinese President Jiang Zemin, former president of South Africa Mandela, and South African President Thabo Mbeki have contributed a lot to the development of Sino-African friendship.
He said that the cooperation between the two countries has progressed smoothly and successfully, and the two countries shared the same opinions on important international issues and had common interests in many areas.
Chi also briefed the guests on China's domestic situation and army building, and China's stand on the issue of Taiwan. He extended his gratitude to the South African government and people for their support to China's reunification.
Romano said that the South African government appreciated Chinese government's support in the struggle of South African people against racial segregation.
Romano said South Africa stressed strengthening the communication and cooperation with China and the armed forces of the two countries.
(Xinhua News Agency October 23,2001)
