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Sino-Macedonian ties normalized
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CHINA and Macedonia on Monday signed a joint communique to normalize relations between the two countries, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The statement was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Macedonian counterpart Ilinka Mitreva during talks in Beijing, said Xinhua.
In the text of the statement, Macedonia embraces the “One China” principle accepting the government of the People's Republic of China as sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.
Under the agreement, Macedonia cut all links with Taiwan.
“(Macedonia) confirms that it shall not enter into official relations in whatever form or to engage in any official exchanges with Taiwan,” said the communique.
It said the two countries would re-open embassies and exchange ambassadors “as soon as possible”, although it gave no time frame.
The text also said the two countries would make new efforts to expand their trade ties, and to co-operate in international organisations.
The signing of the joint communique on the normalization of relations was hailed by Chinese foreign minister as a big event in the history of bilateral ties, which represents the common wishes of people in both countries and is in the interests of both countries.
China and Macedonia have traditional friendly relations, which is the basis for the two sides to promote bilateral ties, Tang said.
As for the previous zigzags hindering the development of bilateral ties, China's stand is to look ahead, he said, stressing that “based on the normalization of bilateral relations, China is willing to rebuild new ties with Macedonia in accordance with the principles promulgated in the joint communique”.
Tang pointed out that China and Macedonia share common interests and concerns in many major regional and international issues and China is willing to keep contact and negotiate with Macedonia to enhance co-operation in international affairs.
Premier Zhu Rongji said yesterday that China will work with the Macedonian side to create a “beautiful future” for bilateral relations.
The normalization of relations between China and Macedonia is an “inevitable trend” and the “general feeling” of the people, Zhu told Mitreva during a meeting.(SD-Agencies)
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