Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Monday with Turkish Land Forces Commander Ilker Basbug.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said China and Turkey have conducted sound cooperation in various sectors since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 36 years ago.

China appreciates Turkey's adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China in China's efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Cao.

The Chinese military has always valued relations with its Turkish counterpart, and would enhance bilateral cooperation, Cao added.

Basbug said Turkey and China have many similarities and hold similar opinions on many international and regional issues. He hopes the two armed forces could work together for even better relations in the future.

Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Zhang Li and Turkish Ambassador to China Oktay Ozuye attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2007)