BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- China is ready to make joint efforts with Niger to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields to ensure further bilateral relations, said Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan here Tuesday.

    Meeting with Boureima Moumouni, chief of general staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, Cao said the two countries have enjoyed traditional friendship.

    China and Niger, both as developing countries, have always supported each other in international affairs, said Cao, also Chinese State Councilor and Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission.

    It is in the interests of both peoples to strengthen the Sino-Nigerien relations, He added.

    Boureima appreciated China's consistent support for Niger, saying bilateral relations have maintained sound momentum in the past years. Niger hoped for further improvement of the relations between the two countries and armies, said Boureima.

    Boureima reiterated Niger's adherence to one-China policy. Enditem