On August 22, 2005, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and Prime Minister Vladimir Buckovski met in Skopje with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing respectively.

Crvenkovski said that Macedonia admires the rapid growth of China and to strengthen relations with China is a diplomatic priority of Macedonia. Macedonia firmly pursues the one-China principle and hopes to develop cooperation with China in various fields. It is a common aspiration of both the Macedonian government and the people.

Buckovski said that Macedonia thinks highly of China's contribution to world peace, stability and development. The Macedonian government expects to work with the Chinese government to build the Macedonia-China relations into a showcase of equality and mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small countries. He expressed welcome to Chinese businesses to participate in Macedonia's economic construction, especially the water conservancy projects and hope that the Chinese people would come to Macedonia for sightseeing.

Li said that the traditional friendship between China and Macedonia enjoys a solid foundation. Since the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2001 the bilateral political mutual trust has been increasing and cooperation in such fields as economy, culture and education and health resumed rapidly. On the Taiwan question which concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity Macedonia upholds the one-China principle, for which China sings high praise. China always respects the development road chosen by the Macedonian people and would like to extend sincere congratulations on Macedonia's achievements in both domestic construction and international exchanges.

Li noted that China attaches importance to its relations with Macedonia and is willing to push for the comprehensive and in-depth progress of bilateral ties. Both sides should reinforce the political exchanges at all levels and build up mutual understanding and trust. China encourages domestic businesses to invest in Macedonia and also welcomes the Macedonian businesses to explore the Chinese market. The two countries should further enhance local exchanges, promote exchanges of youth and lay down a more solid civil basis for bilateral ties.

On the same day, Li also held talks with Macedonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva, exchanging in-depth views on deepening bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation in international affairs.

Li arrived in Skopje on August 21 and kicked off his two-day visit to Macedonia, which is the fifth stop of his European tour. Prior to visit to Macedonia, he visited Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Serbia and Montenegro.