China, Macedonia Sign Joint Communique on Normalization of Relations

China, Macedonia Sign Joint Communique on Normalization of Relations

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Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Macedonian counterpart Ilinka Mitreva signed Monday Joint Communique Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia on the Normalization of Relations.

The full text of the Joint Communique goes as follows:

I. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, in conformity with the interests and desires of the two peoples, have decided to normalize relations between the two countries effective from June 18 of 2001.

II. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia are determined to conform to all the principles of the "Joint Communique between the People' s Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations". The two Governments have agreed to develop friendly relations and cooperation in conformity with the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. While maintaining sound political relations, both sides have agreed to make positive efforts to expand exchanges and cooperation in other fields, in particular the economic and trade field. Both sides have expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation in international organizations. The Government of the republic of Macedonia recognizes emphatically that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and confirms that it shall not enter into official relations in whatever form or to engage in any official exchanges with Taiwan.

III. The Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia have agreed to mutually re- establish embassies as soon as possible and exchange ambassadors. The two sides will, on the basis of mutual benefit and in accordance with international practice, mutually provide all necessary assistance for the performance of the functions of their respective diplomatic representatives.