Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Cao Gangchuan met his Dutch counterpart Henk Kamp in The Hague on 18th April.

Cao stressed the important role played by the Netherlands in promoting the strategic partnership established between China and the European Union.

To further improve the relations between the two armed forces and to cooperate in a wider range of issues is in the fundamental interest of both countries, he said.

China is willing to make concerted efforts to promote the ties between the two militaries to a higher level, he said.

Kamp said that he is pleased with the latest developments in relations between the two armed forces and predicted good prospects for future cooperation.

With its economic boom and considerable progress in social reforms, China is gaining a more important role on the world arena. The Dutch government has attached great importance to further development of military-to-military cooperation with China, he said.

The Netherlands will make more efforts to further improve relations between both armed forces, he said. Dutch government will adhere to One China policy, he reiterated.

Cao also held talks with Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot on the same day.

Cao, who is on a three-day visit to the Netherlands, arrived in The Hague on 16th April. This is his 3rd stop of the visit. Earlier, he visited Egypt and Tanzania. Later he will visit Denmark.