China is willing to strengthen military ties with Seychelles and promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing on Thursday.

 

When meeting with visiting Leopold Payet, Commander of the Seychelles People's Defense Forces, Cao said the Chinese armed forces values the relations with the Seychellois armed forces, and the bilateral relations between the two countries also have witnessed a smooth development since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

 

Cao said China appreciates Seychelles' long-term adherence to the one-China policy, and will work with it to further promote the traditional friendship between the two countries.

 

Payet said strengthening military ties will also be conducive to the bilateral relations, and the Seychellois armed forces will continue to carry out more exchange of visits and cooperation with the Chinese armed forces.

 

Payet also held a talks with Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Liang Guanglie on the same day.

 

During the talks, Liang said China and Seychelles share much same or similar opinions in many international and regional issues, and gives each other mutual support on international affairs.

 

He also extends gratitude for Seychelles' support on the Taiwan issue and the human rights issue.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2007)