Visiting Macedonian State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense Ljiljana Sterijovska on Wednesday called for further cooperation with the Chinese armed forces.

"Despite the vast distance between Macedonia and China, our two countries share common views on many crucial regional and international issues," Sterijovska said during her meeting with Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

"I believe my first visit here will forge closer links between Macedonia and China," said Sterijovska who is here on a friendly visit.

Echoing Sterijovska's view, Xu said the relationship between China and Macedonia is functioning smoothly.

Citing "high quality" military exchanges between China and Macedonia and "unhampered communication", Xu said China is keen to develop relations with the Macedonian military.

"Our friendly cooperative relationship will surely progress further in the future," Xu added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 12, 2007)