WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 12, 2008 – The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) celebrates the 15th anniversary since the start of relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People’s Republic of China, and congratulates both countries on their continued efforts to straighten their ties and mutual understanding.  Metodija A. Koloski, President of the United Macedonian Diaspora stated, “China was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Macedonia.”  “Today signals the starting point of new and improved relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People’s Republic of China,” Koloski further noted. 

Following normalization of relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the People’s Republic of China, the late Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski paid an official state visit to China at the invitation of China’s late President, Jiang Zemin.  Significantly, a Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia on Consolidating and Promoting Their Friendly Relations and Cooperation was issued.  In the statement it said, “the Chinese side reiterates that China supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia, and supports Macedonia in its vigorous efforts to safeguard national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Macedonia’s current President, Branko Crvenkovski, paid an official state visit to China in 2007 at the invitation of President Hu Jintao.   In a joint statement, the Chinese government reaffirmed that it “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,” and that “the Chinese side understands the strong desire of Macedonia for its own constitutional name to be used within the UN system.”

China’s Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang visited Macedonia in September of 2008 and stated publicly, "China attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with Macedonia, and regards Macedonia as a trustworthy partner in the western Balkans.”

The United Macedonian Diaspora welcomes the strong relations between Macedonia and China.  UMD hopes that these relations will improve even further through cooperation in international affairs, as well as trade, economic, educational and cultural exchanges.  The United Macedonian Diaspora is pleased that the People’s Republic of China is one of the first countries to recognize the constitutional and rightful name of the Republic of Macedonia, and welcomes the continued support that it continues to extend to the Republic of Macedonia.

2002 Joint Statement: http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200204/28/eng20020428_94860.shtml
2007 Joint Statement: http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t387214.htm

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Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is an international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.

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