China, Gambia resume diplomatic ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) meets with his Gambian counterpart Neneh MacDouall-Gaye in Beijing on March 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Gambian counterpart Neneh MacDouall-Gaye signed a joint communique in Beijing Thursday to resume diplomatic relations.

"The People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of The Gambia...have agreed and decided to resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level as of the date of the signing of this Joint Communique," the communique says.

The two countries also agreed to exchange ambassadors and, in accordance with the provisions of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, provide necessary assistance for the establishment of embassies and the performance of their respective duties on a reciprocal basis, it says.

According to the communique, the Chinese government supports the Gambian government in its efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and develop the economy.

The Gambian government recognizes that there is only one China in the world and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, it says.

The Gambian government undertakes not to establish any official relations or engage in any official contact with Taiwan, it says.

The Chinese government appreciates this position of the Gambian government, it says.

"The time of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Gambia was determined through consultation between the two sides," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Thursday.

The resumption of diplomatic ties is not directed against anyone, he said, reiterating China's adherence to the one-China policy and peaceful development of cross-Strait relations remains unchanged.

There is only one China in the world, and both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China, he said, adding that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be divided.

Asked if China had provided enormous aid to Gambia to resume ties, Lu said the resumption of diplomatic relations is based on mutual respect,trust and benefit and on an equal footing.

"China will discuss friendly and reciprocal cooperation with Gambia following the resumption of ties," Lu said.

"The Chinese people have always held friendly sentiments toward the Gambian people," said Wang, adding that the resumption of the ambassadorial relations reflects common aspirations and are in the fundamental interests of both nations.