BEIJING, July 3 -- China and Italy agreed to boost military cooperation during a meeting between Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), and visiting Italian Defense Ministry secretary-general Enzo Stefanini on Friday.

Hailing the sound development of military ties, Xu said that the two countries' high-level officials had maintained close contact, dialogue and consultation had been smooth, and cooperation has deepened.

"We attach great importance to ties with the Italian military and are willing to increase cooperation at various levels and in various areas." Xu said.

Stefanini, also Italy's national armaments director, said that exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries had been productive.

"We are willing to work with the Chinese side to maintain friendly ties and close cooperation and advance military ties," he said.