Chinese and Gabonese defense ministers on Tuesday agreed to expand military ties.

"The two armed forces have always maintained friendly cooperation," Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan told the visiting Gabonese Minister of State and Defense Ali Bongo.

Over the past few years, the two armed forces had seen frequent high-level visits and exchanges, Cao said.

Cao said China would like to step up cooperation with Gabon.

Hailing the momentum of ties between the two militaries, Bongo said he looked forward to stronger military relations.

He reaffirmed that Gabon will maintain its one-China stance.

Invited by Cao, Bongo arrived in Beijing last Friday for a week-long visit.

Source: Xinhua