China is ready to make joint efforts with Bulgaria to develop the relations between the two armed forces at a multilevel and in various fields, said Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan in Beijing Thursday.

He made the remarks at a meeting with Nikola Kolev, chief of general staff of the Bulgarian armed forces.

Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the bilateral ties have kept moving forward since China and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations more than five decades ago.

China has always taken a positive attitude to the enhancement of the friendly ties between the two armies, he said.

Cao stressed that China has cherished the sound momentum of the exchanges between the two armed forces under the current new circumstances.

He appreciated Bulgaria's position in supporting the one-China policy.

Kolev said that Bulgaria has always attached great importance to advancing its friendly relationship with China and the Chinese armed forces.

The Bulgaria-China relationship is sound, yet there still exists a big potential for cooperation, he added.

Kolev reiterated that his country would continue to adhere to the one-China policy.

Xiong Guangkai, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), was present at the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency November 25, 2005)