BEIJING, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) --Chinese president Hu Jintao and visiting Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski signed a joint statement on deepening mutually beneficial cooperative relations on Wednesday. Following is the full text of the statement.

Joint Statement Between The People's Republic of China

And The Republic of Macedonia

On Deepening Mutually Beneficial Cooperative Relations

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China, President Branko Crvenkovski of the Republic of Macedonia paid a state visit to the People's Republic of China from 4 to 9 December 2007. In a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening and deepening China-Macedonia mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and on international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached broad agreement as follows:

I. The two sides highly evaluated the impressive progress made in the bilateral relations since the normalization, and emphasized that the China-Macedonia traditional friendship is a shared wealth of the two peoples and a solid foundation for further growth of the bilateral ties. The two sides decided to hold a series of events in 2008 to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

II. The two sides believed that it is the shared wish of the two peoples and it serves their fundamental interests to further develop the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Macedonia. The two sides agreed to continue to take bilateral relations to a higher level in the new era in accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other universally recognized norms governing international relations.

III. The two sides expressed their willingness to further strengthen and enrich dialogues at all levels, including high-level dialogues, enhance inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary and inter-party exchanges and cooperation, so as to deepen mutual understanding and trust and safeguard shared interests.

IV. The two sides stressed that business cooperation is the priority area of the bilateral relations. The two sides are willing to give full play to the macro-guiding role of their relevant government departments and the China-Macedonia Mixed Commission on Business Cooperation, and continue to render energetic support to increasing contact and expanding cooperation between their companies on the basis of principles of equality, mutual benefits and win-win results, and create conditions to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.

V. The two sides expressed their willingness to further expand exchanges and cooperation in the culture, education, sports, media, tourism, agriculture, health and military fields, earnestly implement various bilateral cooperation agreements, and encourage local governments and non-governmental organizations to grow friendship, and enhance mutual understanding and friendly sentiments between the two peoples.

VI. The Macedonian side reaffirmed its commitment to the one China policy, acknowledging that there is but one China, that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The Macedonian side stated once again that it will not establish official ties of any form or conduct official exchanges with Taiwan, that it opposes Taiwan's accession to any international organization whose membership requires statehood, that it opposes separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" in all its manifestations including referendum on joining UN under the name of Taiwan, and that it respects and supports all efforts made by China for national reunification.

The Chinese side highly appreciated the position of the Macedonian side.

VII. The Chinese side respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Macedonia, and Macedonian people's choice of the path of development in accordance with their national reality. The Chinese side understands the strong desire of Macedonia for its own constitutional name to be used within the UN system and supports the positive efforts made by Macedonia in resolving the issue. The Chinese side admires Macedonia's achievements in maintaining social stability, promoting economic growth and raising people's living standard. The Chinese side respects and understands Macedonia's efforts to become part of the Europe-Atlantic integration process, and appreciates Macedonia's policy of promoting friendship with its neighbors, and its role in maintaining stability and development in the Balkan region, and actively promoting regional cooperation.

VIII. The two sides expressed their adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and supports UN's leading role in maintaining world peace and security, promoting common development and peaceful settlement of international disputes, and addressing common issues of mankind. The two sides stand for enhancing the role of UN and the authority of the Security Council, and the diversity of world civilizations and development models.

The two sides are ready to intensify their cooperation within UN and other international organizations, conduct timely exchanges and consultation on issues of interests to both sides, and work together to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

IX. President Branko Crenkovski of the Republic of Macedonia expressed thanks to the Chinese side for its warm and friendly reception, and invited President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China to visit Macedonia at a time convenient to him. President Hu Jintao expressed his thanks and accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Done in Beijing on 5 December 2007.

Source: Xinhua