The Chinese armed forces attaches great importance to its military ties with the Egyptian army, and is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields, said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Monday.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remarks in his talks with Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, commander-in-chief of the Egyptian armed forces and minister of National Defense and Military Production.

Cao said the Chinese and Egyptian people enjoy profound traditional friendship. The two countries have conducted sound cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations 48 years ago.

The two armed forces have kept frequent high-level visits, he said, adding that the cooperation fields have been continuously expanded.

Cao also briefed the guests on China's stance on the Middle East and international issues, China's domestic construction, army construction and the Fourth Plenum of 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
 
Tantawi said the two armies have many similarities and the Egyptian side is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese army.

He spoke highly of China's stance on resolving the Taiwan issue, noting that Egypt will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy.

Before the talks, Cao held a welcome ceremony for Tantawi's China visit.

Tantawi arrived in Beijing Sunday for a six-day official good-will visit to China as Cao's guest.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2004)