China, Benin on Wednesday underscored the importance of their military exchanges.

 

"China values the military ties with Benin and would like to lift the relationship to a new high," Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan told the visiting Chief of Staff of Beninese Armed Forces Mathieu Boni.

 

Boni hailed the landmark summit between Chinese and African leaders in early November.

 

"The Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is significant and warmly welcomed by African people," he said.

 

He said the military exchanges between the two countries are important. "Benin would like to beef up military cooperation with China in various fields."

 

Boni reiterated that Benin will adhere to the one-China policy.

 

Earlier on Wednesday, Boni also held talks with his Chinese counterpart Liang Guanglie.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2006)