The Chinese government will unswervingly adhere to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait and oppose any threat to Kuwait, Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Monday.  

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, made the remarks during talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

He said China and Kuwait, both developing countries, shared many common interests and had extensive common consensus on major international issues, adding that bilateral relations have been consolidated since the two sides established diplomatic ties in 1971.

With the development of bilateral ties, the military cooperation between the two sides has been expanded, Cao said, and cooperation in general has been fruitful, including the cooperation in military trade.

Cao said he hoped cooperation between the armed forces of China and Kuwait will be further promoted with the joint efforts of the two sides.

Mubarak said the Kuwaiti government attached importance to friendly relations with China and Chinese armed forces and appreciated the Chinese government's support when Kuwait was in difficulties.

More exchanges and cooperation between the armed forces of Kuwait and China are expected, said Mubarak.

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2003)