1st Ld: China, Gambia resume diplomatic ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Gambian counterpart Neneh MacDouall-Gaye signed a joint communique here Thursday to resume diplomatic relations.

"The Peoples Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, acting in conformity with the interests and desires of the two peoples, desirous of promoting and strengthening ties of friendly relations and cooperation between the two states for the mutual benefit of their peoples in accordance with the principles and purposes of the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law, have agreed and decided to resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level as of the date of the signing of this Joint Communique," the communique says.

The two countries also agreed to exchange ambassadors and, in accordance with the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, provide necessary assistance for the establishment of embassies and the performance of their respective duties on a reciprocal basis, it says.

According to the communique, the Chinese government supports the Gambian government in its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and develop the economy.

The Gambian government recognizes that there is only one China in the world and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it says.

The Gambian government undertakes not to establish any official relations or engage in any official contact with Taiwan, it says.

The Chinese government appreciates this position of the Gambian government, it says.

During the talks between the two foreign ministers earlier on Thursday, Wang dubbed the resumption of the diplomatic ties as an "historic moment" for the two nations.

"The Chinese people always hold friendly sentiments for the Gambian people," said Wang, adding that the resumption of the ambassadorial relations reflects common aspirations and are in the fundamental interests of the two nations.

Wang stressed that the one-China policy is a political precondition and foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with other countries.

"We believe that the Gambian government will strictly adhere to the one-China policy and support China's undertakings for peaceful unification," Wang said.

Wang said China stands ready to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation and increase people-to-people exchanges with Gambia and will support the African country's efforts to play a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

The two countries established formal diplomatic links in 1974 but China suspended the relations in 1995 when Gambia resumed the so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. Endi