On January 6, 2012, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao went to the Macedonian embassy in China extending condolence over the death of Macedon's first President Kiro Gligorov. On behalf of the Chinese government, Song expressed deep grief and asked Macedonian Ambassador to China Oliver Shambevski to express sincere condolence to the Macedonian government, people and family of Gligorov. He spoke highly of Gligorov's contributions to the development of China- Macedon relations.

Shambevski thanked Song for coming to the embassy to express condolence on behalf of the Chinese government. He noted that Gligorov is a good friend of the Chinese people. Gligorov's successor has inherited his policy with China and expects to further expand pragmatic cooperation and promote the development of bilateral ties.