Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan and his Tunisian counterpart Kamel Morjane agreed in Beijing on Monday to further cement military exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

In their official talks, Cao told Morjane that China and Tunisia have seen fruitful cooperation in various areas including politics, economy and culture, and cooperated closely in international affairs.

Cao said China attaches great importance to developing military exchanges with Tunisia, and is ready to join hands with the African country to promote bilateral military ties to a new stage.

In response, Morjane said the two countries share similar views on many international and regional issues, and he hopes the two armed forces will further cement cooperation in various areas to push forward military ties.

Morjane also reiterated that the Tunisian government firmly sticks to the one-China policy.

Before their talks, Cao held a welcome ceremony for Morjane's China trip.

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2007)