Chinese, Macedonian FMs Hail Normalization of Bilateral TiesChinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and his Macedonian counterpart Ilinka Mitreva held talks Monday, hailing the normalization of relations between China and Macedonia.Tang said that the signing of the joint communique on the normalization of relations is 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, he 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." He 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 cooperation in international affairs. China understands and supports the efforts the Macedonian government has made in maintaining national unity and social stability, and China, as always, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Macedonia and carries out relevant resolutions of the United Nations, he stressed. Tang finally expressed the hope that the Macedonian government properly handles its domestic problems, so as to realize social stability, economic prosperity and an improvement in living standards as soon as possible. Mitreva said that today we encountered a moment with historic significance, that is, two countries have realized the normalization of bilateral relations. The short unfortunate events hindering bilateral relations are now history and China and Macedonia have established a new relationship, she said, extending her thanks for China's support of Macedonia over the past years. She stressed that the Macedonian government recognizes 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. Mitreva confirmed that the Macedonian government shall not enter into official relations in any form or engage in any official exchanges with Taiwan. She also briefed Tang on the latest situation in Macedonia. The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on other regional and international situations. Prior to the talks, the two sides signed a Joint Communique between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia on the Normalization of Relations. Mitreva and her party arrived here Monday to sign the joint communique and pay a state visit. |
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