China is ready to make joint efforts with Croatia to expand and enrich the cooperation between the two armed forces, said Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan Monday.

He made the remarks at a meeting here with Josip Lucic, chief of general staff of the Croatian armed forces.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the Chinese and Croatian peoples have enjoyed a traditional friendship.

He pointed out the two sides have been active to push forward the development of bilateral ties since China and Croatia established diplomatic relations 13 years ago.

In a spirit of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefit, the two countries have achieved fruitful results through exchanges and cooperation in various fields, he said.

Cao stressed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has always attached great importance to advancing its relationship with the armed forces of Croatia.

Lucic said the bilateral relations have been moving ahead smoothly after the two sides established diplomatic relations.

Croatia has adhered to the one-China policy and taken the initiative to conduct frank and friendly cooperation with China, he said.

Croatia is eager to intensify its cooperation with both the Chinese government and the PLA to better safeguard world peace, he added.

Zhang Li, deputy chief of general staff of the PLA and

Boris Velic, Croatian Ambassador to China were also present at the meeting.