Vice-President Meets Azerbaijani Defence Minister

Chinese Vice-President Meets Azerbaijani Defence Minister

Vice-President Hu Jintao told visiting Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Safar Abiyev, in Beijing Friday that China is willing to make joint efforts with Azerbaijan to push bilateral relations to new levels.

Also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, Hu noted in a meeting with the Azerbaijani minister that China and Azerbaijan have witnessed the smooth growth of friendly relations in various areas since the two established diplomatic relations eight years ago.

China pays great attention to its friendship with Azerbaijan, and is willing to strengthen state-state and military relations on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence.

Abiyev said that his country highly values its friendship with China, one the earliest to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan. He also hopes that cooperation in the political, economic and military areas will grow in the future.

The defence minister also reiterated his country's one-China policy.

Chi Haotian, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and minister of defence, also attended the meeting.