The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) approved on Friday a resolution resuming China's legal rights as a member state, recognizing the "One China" policy.

The resolution, which was overwhelmingly passed at the agency's 75th general assembly in Paris, said China joins the OIE as a sovereign country while allowing China's Taiwan to take part in the agency's activities as a non-sovereign region.

Following the resolution, Jia Youling, head of the Chinese delegation, was formally invited to attend this year's assembly and deliver a speech.

"The Chinese government thinks highly of the important role and functions of the OIE in protecting animal health worldwide, and has been positive about joining the agency," Jia said.

The resolution renewing China's rights as a member state is a significant step in maintaining and promoting the agency's cause, he said.

He noted that maintaining animal health in China, an important part of the agency's worldwide mission, requires strong support from the OIE.

China's participation in the agency's activities is absolutely necessary for maintaining and promoting the OIE's work in animal health, he said.

As a responsible country, China will shoulder its obligations while enjoying the rights of a member state, and will make its own contribution by cooperating closely with other members, he added.

The OIE, which was established in 1924 and headquartered in Paris, is the top agency regulating safety in the meat and livestock trade.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2007)