China Attaches Importance to its Relations With Macedonia

China has always attached importance to its relations with Macedonia and will promote the continuous and sound development of bilateral relations along with the reshuffled Macedonian government in all the principles enshrined in the joint communiqu? on the normalization of relations between the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue made the remarks in Beijing Monday in answering a question on China's attitude towards the recent reshuffle of the Macedonian government and China's position on the situations in Macedonia.

Zhang said since China and Macedonia normalized their relations nearly half a year ago, bilateral relations have witnessed rapid resumption and development.

The normalization of Sino-Macedonian relations is in the fundamental interest of the two peoples and the reflection of the common will of the vast majority of Macedonian political powers, said Zhang.

She said the Chinese government has always upheld that Macedonia's sovereignty and territorial integrity be respected, and appreciated the unremitting efforts made by Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski and all concerned parties of the country for safeguarding stability and national reconciliation.

China is delighted to see that the peace agreement reached among all concerned parties of Macedonia is under implementation, she said.

She said she hoped that the Macedonian people of all ethnic groups would co-exist harmoniously and seeks a common development, which will conduce to peace, stability and development of the country and the region.

(Xinhua News Agency December 3, 2001)