Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Thursday with his Zimbabwean counterpart Sydney Sekeramayi.

Cao said China and Zimbabwe have long-term friendship and the bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 27 years ago.

The two armed forces have maintained close relations and conducted effective cooperation in various fields, said Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor.

China appreciates Zimbabwe's adherence to the one-China policy, Cao said.

He said China attaches great importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces and will work with Zimbabwe in promoting the military relationship to a new height.

Sekeramayi said he hoped to further strengthen military exchanges and cooperation with China and he hoped that the two armed forces can draw experience of military construction from each other.

He also reiterated the Zimbabwean government's one-China position.

Sederamayi is on a week-long official visit to China at the invitation of Cao.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2007)