Vice-President Meets Kyrgyzstan Defense Minister

Vice-President Meets Kyrgyzstan Defense Minister

Vice-President Hu Jintao met with Kyrgyzstan Defense Minister Esen Topoyev and his party Friday.

Hu, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the two countries are good neighbors linked by rivers and mountains, and noted that relations between the two countries and armed forces have been developing well, and cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels has yielded positive results, thanks to the efforts made by the leaders of the two countries.

China highly values the great importance the Kyrgyzstan government gives to developing bilateral relations, and its consistent support for China on the issues of Taiwan and its opposition to national separatism, Hu said.

China also speaks highly of Kyrgyzstan's efforts to ensure national security and regional stability and develop its economy, he said. The Chinese government and armed forces are willing to further promote relations with their Kyrgyzstan counterparts.

Topoyev said that during his visit, leaders of the two armed forces had good talks based on honesty and mutual respect and trust, and they agreed on further cooperation in wider areas between the two armed forces, noting that Kyrgyzstan is prepared to further cooperate with China in opposing national separatism, religious extremism, and international terrorism.

He said that Kyrgyzstan is willing to work with China to make their border a bond of friendship, trust, and cooperation between the two peoples.

Topoyev reiterated that Kyrgyzstan pursues one-China policy, and he also praised China's achievements in the reform and opening- up drive, saying that his country hopes to learn from China's successful experience.

He also briefed Hu on the situation in central Asia. Chi Haotian, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and state councilor and defense minister, was among those present during the meeting.