A reception was held in Beijing on Tuesday evening to celebrate the 15th anniversary of China-Macedonia diplomatic ties. Wang Zhizhen, vice-chairwoman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attended.

Addressing the reception, she hailed the relationship as one on a stable, healthy and all-around development track.

Since China forged diplomatic ties with Macedonia, the bilateral high-level contact had been close, the political mutual trust increasingly deepened, cooperation in fields of trade, economy, culture, education and tourism was promoted, and the non-governmental exchange was active, Wang said.

"Taking the present as a fresh starting point, China will work together with Macedonia for a more prosperous future, abide by the principles of mutual-respect, equality and mutual benefit."

Speaking highly of the friendship, the Macedonian ambassador to China Fatmir Xheladini said friendship "will be continuously promoted in a comprehensive and in-depth way."

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2008)