Liang Guanglie, chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), met in Beijing Thursday with Commander of the Sudanese Air Force Mohamed Abd el-Gadir.

Liang said China and Sudan enjoy a traditional friendship, and the bilateral relations have developed smoothly with rewording cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields.

He expressed his appreciation for Sudanese government's persistence to the one-China policy.

The exchanges of visits between leaders of the two armed forces have promoted the bilateral mutual understanding and friendship, he said.

It is believed that the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations between the two armed forces will be further enhanced through joint efforts from the two sides, he noted.

El-Gadir expressed gratitude for China's support over the years. He reiterated that Sudan will keep on supporting China's peaceful reunification drive.

El-Gadir also said he hopes to further develop the bilateral military relations and step up military cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2005)