On April 28, 2002, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met with Macedonian counterpart Slobodan Casule, who accompanies visiting Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, at the foreign ministery building. Tang spoke highly of the fruitful talks between President Jiang Zemin and President Trajkovski. He said that Jiang and Trajkovski had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, reached broad consensus and signed the joint statement on consolidating and promoting friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, which outlines the principles and direction for Sino-Macedonian ties. Ministries of foreign affairs on both sides should implement the spirit of the meeting between the two heads of state and make efforts to maintain and promote the healthy, stable and all-round development of Sino-Macedonian ties.

Tang said that the Taiwan issue concerns the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, as well as the dignity and fundamental interests of the Chinese people. He expressed his belief that the Macedonian side fully understands Chinese concern over the Taiwan issue and continues supporting China's stance. Tang stressed that the border agreement between Macedonia and Yugoslavia has gained support from the international community, especially the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council, and should be respected. China always supports Macedonian efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Casule said that his accompanying the president's visit to China shows the importance Macedonia attaches to China. To Macedonia, it is very important that it can visit the People's Republic of China, which shows that cooperation can be carried out between big and small countries. On behalf of the Macedonian government and its people, Casule extended his appreciation for China's support of Macedonia in U.N. fields and for China's economic aid in the time of Macedonia's greatest need.

The two sides also exchanged views on cooperation between the two foreign ministries.