国内英语新闻:China, Zimbabwe pledge to enhance military relations

BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- China values its traditional friendship with Zimbabwe and hopes to push forward relations between the two countries as well as the two armed forces, said Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie here on Sunday.

Liang made the remarks in a meeting with Zimbabwean Commander of Defence Forces Constantine Guveya Chiwenga.

Liang hailed the traditional friendship between the two countries. He spoke of Zimbabwe's defence forces as a "good friend and partner" of People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Since the establishment of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic ties 30 years ago, cooperation between the two nations had continuously deepened in the areas of politics, economics and trade, culture, education and health, Liang said.

China expressed appreciation for Zimbabwe's firm adherence to the one-China policy and its support to China's peaceful reunification, said Liang. He also thanked Zimbabwe for support on issues concerning China's core and major interests.

Chiwenga expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support to Zimbabwe in various areas. He reaffirmed that his country would continue to stick to the one-China policy and was willing to further enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two armed forces.

He also said Zimbabwe attached great importance to cooperation with China, and hoped to strengthen friendly cooperation with China within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum.

Earlier Sunday, Chiwenga also met with Chief of the General Staff of the PLA Chen Bingde.