China is ready to work with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to further promote cooperation between the armed forces of the two nations, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Wednesday.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Chief of General Staff of the DRC Sungilanga Lombe Kisempia.

Cao said China and the DRC have enjoyed healthy development of bilateral ties and fruitful cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties. China appreciates the DRC government's firm adherence to one-China policy, he said.

He said China values the traditional friendship with the DRC, and is willing to make joint efforts with the DRC to push forward the friendly cooperation between the two countries and the two armed forces.

Kisempia said the two armed forces have maintained sound cooperation, hoping that the two sides continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, in an effort to boost the relations between the DRC and China.

Kisempia said the DRC government will stick to the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2005)