Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Wednesday with Joel K Chitafu, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Zambia.

Cao, who is also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said bilateral relations had enjoyed steady development since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The exchanges of visits between the two countries and armed forces had promoted mutual understanding and trust between the two sides, he added.

Cao appreciated Zambia's support for China on the one-China principle and the human rights issue.

Chitafu said the Zambian government and people are grateful for Chinese people's support for Zambia's independence and its economic construction.

The Zambian military forces attached importance to the military relations with their Chinese counterpart and is willing to further exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two sides, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 31, 2003)