3rd Ld-Writethru China exclusive: 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 People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of The Gambia...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.

"The time of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Gambia was determined through consultation between the two sides," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Thursday.

The resumption of diplomatic ties is not directed against anyone, he said, reiterating China's adherence to the one-China policy and peaceful development of cross-Strait relations remains unchanged.

There is only one China in the world, and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, he said, adding that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be divided.

Asked if China had provided enormous aid to Gambia to resume ties, Lu said the resumption of diplomatic relations is based on mutual respect,trust and benefit and on an equal footing.

"China will discuss friendly and reciprocal cooperation with Gambia following the resumption of ties," Lu said.

"The Chinese people have always held friendly sentiments toward the Gambian people," said Wang, adding that the resumption of the ambassadorial relations reflects common aspirations and are in the fundamental interests of both 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 reunification," 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.

MacDouall-Gaye said the resumption of diplomatic relations between Gambia and China is a milestone in bilateral relations.

The Gambian government and people will firmly adhere to the one-China policy, support the peaceful reunification of China and the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, she said.

Gambia is willing to be China's good friend and partner on the basis of mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, said MacDouall-Gaye.

She said Gambia highly appreciates China's long-term assistance and cooperation with Africa.

Gambia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as agriculture, infrastructure, investment, manufacturing, people-to-people exchanges, processing, tourism and trade, she said.

Gambia will actively take part in cooperation within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), she added.

On Thursday afternoon, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao also met with MacDouall-Gaye at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Li hoped the two sides will push forward friendly, win-win cooperation.

The two countries established formal diplomatic links in 1974, but China suspended relations in 1995 when Gambia resumed so-called "diplomatic" ties with Taiwan. Gambia severed ties with Taiwan in 2013. Endi