Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met on Friday with Commander of Armed Forces of Uganda Aronda Nyakairima, pledging to promote the military ties between the two armed forces.

Cao, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and State Councilor, said the Chinese armed forces cherish the friendship with the Ugandan armed forces and are ready to maintain exchanges between leaders of the two armed forces and expand practical cooperation, to jointly promote the development of the friendly and cooperative ties between the two armed forces.

While hailing the traditional friendship and smooth development of bilateral relations between the two countries, Cao said China appreciates Uganda's long adherence to the one-China policy.

Aronda said the Ugandan armed forces hope to strengthen the friendly cooperation and exchanges with the Chinese armed forces, to learn from the experiences and achievements of the Chinese side, in a bid to promote the development of relations between the two armed forces and two countries.

He thanked China for having been giving Uganda great support.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2007)