Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Gruevski exchanged congratulatory messages on Sunday to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In the messages, Wen and Gruevski spoke highly of the encouraging progress that has been achieved in the bilateral ties over the past 15 years.

The two leaders also pledged joint efforts to advance the China-Macedonia ties based on the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit for the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Macedonian counterpart Antonio Milososki also exchanged congratulations.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2008)