On September 15, 2008, visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang held talks in Skopje with Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski.

Zhang pointed out that the bilateral relations between the two countries have made positive progress over the past 15 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Both sides have stepped up efforts to implement the joint statement on deepening mutually beneficial cooperative relations signed by the two heads of state and various consensuses reached by the leaders of the two countries. They have also kept frequent political dialogue at all levels and expanded economic cooperation with new progress made in the fields such as culture, education and sports. Zhang expressed thanks and gratitude to Macedonia for its adherence to the one-China policy, its opposition to “Taiwan independence” and its support of China's cause of peaceful reunification.

"China attaches great importance to the relations with Macedonia, and regards Macedonia as an important cooperative partner in the west Balkans," Zhang said. Zhang said China is ready to broaden the areas of cooperation between China and Macedonia on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and lift the bilateral relations to a new level.

Zhang also put forward proposals on furthering economic and trade cooperation in the following three aspects. First, find new areas of cooperation by giving full play to the guiding role of the government and the chamber of commerce. Second, push the companies of the two countries to conduct direct contacts and develop cooperation in different forms and through various conduits. Third, motivate the local governments and enhance economic and trade cooperation between localities.

Crvenkovski congratulated China on staging a wonderful Olympic Games in Beijing, and thanked China for its long-time help and support for Macedonia. He also expressed admiration for China’s enormous achievements since the reform and opening up.

Crvenkovski said Macedonia highly values its relations with China, adding that Macedonia will unswervingly stick to its one-China policy. "We are ready to work with China to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of politics, trade and economy, and international affairs, pushing the bilateral relations forward," Crvenkovski said.