The Republic of Macedonia and the People's Republic of China have achieved the highest level of bilateral relations so far, common assessment by the presidents of these two countries, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov and Xi Jinping, reached at the meeting in the Presidential Palace in Beijing.

"Our political relations in the past two decades have been intensified, which is reflected in the highest level of bilateral relations, enhanced political trust and progress in the mutual cooperation in various fields. China is ready to give Macedonia a hand for rapid development of relations", the Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the beginning of the meeting.

The Chinese President expressed conviction that the celebration of the 20th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as he said, would bear even more fruits".

President Xi Jinping announced cooperation with Macedonia in construction and infrastructure projects, in agriculture and other sectors - education, culture, traditional Chinese medicine, which would encourage rapid development of relations between the two countries.

President Ivanov said that the bilateral relations have thus far achieved the highest level.

"We concurred that in these two decades the relations have never before been on such a high level", President Ivanov said after the meeting.

The two presidents discussed all areas of mutual interest and cooperation in the last 20 years, since the establishment of bilateral relations.

Talks also focused on multilateral cooperation at global level, our support for the Chinese applications and their support particularly in the United Nations, political relations, economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the field of culture, health, education...

"We concluded that the political cooperation is intensified through meetings of prime ministers, speakers and the heads of states. This adds to the fact that politically we have reached the highest level of collaboration", President Ivanov said.

Pertaining to the economic cooperation, it was noted that it has been deepened over the years and that there is a decline in the trade deficit.

"In terms of economy, interest is shown for increased presence of Macedonian products on the Chinese market. In this context, the initiative of our Prime Minister was mentioned for opening a free zone for Chinese companies. He believes that it is in favor of their companies and showed interest for implementation of that idea", President Ivanov said.

He also stressed that Macedonia has used much of the aid China provides for the region. He recalled that the previous Chinese government approved 10 billion US dollars for Central and Eastern Europe.

"Macedonia is the first of those countries that has finalized the project and we hope that after the decision in the Parliament, Macedonia will start using those funds for highway construction, Miladinovci - Stip and Ohrid - Kicevo. That would mean presence of Chinese companies in Macedonia which will participate in this great projects in partnership with Macedonian companies", President Ivanov said.

He noted that in the field of economy there is an initiative for greater cooperation in agriculture, not only in terms of tools and machinery, but also of agricultural products.

"I am pleased that many Chinese companies explore the Macedonian market for some time and think about their long-term investment. They are aware of all the benefits provided by Macedonia in the field of economy and foreign investment. They know the advantages and benefits provided by our government to foreign investors", President Ivanov said, stressing that part of their long-term strategy is to have access to other countries in the region through Macedonia.

In terms of cultural cooperation, he said that a lot has been achieved and that the announced concert of Chinese musicians in Skopje is yet another confirmation that the cooperation in the field of culture is established through the ministries of culture and through the embassies, whereas the Confucius Institute in Skopje will establish exchanges in the field of education.

The two presidents also discussed the announced initiative for implementation of the traditional Chinese medicine in our health care system.

"President Jinping and I concluded that it is a general atmosphere, that there is increased interest in studying and training traditional medicine", President Ivanov said, adding that Health Minister Nikola Todorov is exactly there for that purpose.

The Minister without portfolio for attracting foreign investment, Mr. Jerry Naumoff, is member of the Macedonian delegation.

President Ivanov tomorrow from Beijing travels to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, where he will attend the opening ceremony of the 14th Western China International Forum, entitled "Western China International Cooperation Forum", organized by the 12 provinces of Western China and 12 departments of central government. At the Forum, which will be attended by several world statesmen, President Ivanov will address on "Balanced Development and Common Prosperity".