Gu Xiulian, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), the top legislature, met in Beijing on Wednesday with visiting Argentine Defense Minister Nilda Carre.

Gu said China and Argentina have witnessed steady development of bilateral relations and friendly cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago.

China appreciates Argentina's support of China in human rights issue and the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai World Expo, Gu said.

Gu said China attaches importance to developing relations with Argentina and is willing to promote the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Carre said Argentina will work with China in deepening friendly relations between the two armed forces.

She reiterated Argentina's persistent position in one-China policy.

Started her China tour on Sunday, Carre is the first Argentine defense minister to visit China since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2007)