Military relations between China and Ethiopia have deepened with frequent high-level visits and cooperation in training, medicine, roles in United Nations peacekeeping missions and other fields, said Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

Fan paid an official visit to Ethiopia from Nov 21-23 and held talks with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa, and Chief of General Staff of the National Defense Forces Samora Yonus, China's Defense Ministry said.

Ethiopia has had a long and productive friendship with China, Fan said during his meeting with Teshome.

Thanks to the oversight, attention and promotion by the top leaders from both countries, Fan said, they have constantly strengthened political trust, deepened friendship between the two peoples, and achieved pragmatic cooperation.

Teshome said China is Ethiopia's most important and reliable strategic partner. China and Ethiopia enjoy broad common interests and similar development models, and China's achievements have provided a good reference point for Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is willing to work with China to enhance political mutual trust, expand economic and trade exchanges, deepen defense exchanges and push bilateral ties between the two countries and militaries to new levels, Teshome stressed.

Prior to the talks, Fegessa held a welcoming ceremony for Fan. The two sides had friendly and in-depth talks on deepening the bilateral military relations and reached important consensus on strengthening high-level exchanges and military medical cooperation.

Contact the writer at Zhangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn