Update: China, Macedonia agree to enhance bilateral cooperation

BUDAPEST, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- China and Macedonia agreed here on Tuesday to advance cooperation on various fields such as infrastructure construction.

The pledge came as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev met on the sidelines of the sixth meeting of the heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).

Li said China is willing to better dovetail development strategies with Macedonia and push forward cooperation on transportation infrastructure construction.

China hopes that Macedonia can give full play of its advantages and take an active part in the construction of the China-Europe land-sea express, said Li.

China also would like to explore cooperation with Macedonia on new industries such as digital economy, he said.

Hailing the good friendship and close cooperation between Macedonia and China, Zaev said his country is ready to enhance cooperation with China on trade and economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The China-CEEC cooperation, also known as the 16+1 cooperation, is key to the development of Macedonia, he said, adding that his country hopes to intensify cooperation with China under the 16+1 framework.

Zaev said Macedonia welcomes Chinese enterprises to participate in the Balkan country's transportation construction.

During the meeting, Li also expressed appreciation at Macedonia's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Macedonia.

China will take the opportunity of the 25th anniversary to further forge ahead bilateral ties, Li said.

Li arrived on Sunday for an official visit to Hungary and for the sixth meeting of the heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries. Enditem