SKOPJE, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China and Macedonia agreed to strengthen bilateral relations as the Macedonian president and a senior Chinese official met here recently.

In a meeting with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov on Saturday, Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's warm regards and good wishes to Ivanov.

Zhang said China and Macedonia have continuously deepened their political mutual trust and their cooperation in various fields have seen tangible results since the two countries established a diplomatic relationship 25 years ago.

While expressing China's willingness to make joint efforts with Macedonia to push for a new development in bilateral relations, Zhang introduced to Ivanov the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, China's achievements in economic and social development, its measures to expand the opening-up, as well as basics about the CPPCC.

The CPPCC is China's top political advisory body.

Ivanov asked Zhang to convey his warm regards and good wishes to Xi.

He said Macedonia attaches great importance to developing a friendly relationship with China, unwaveringly abides by the one-China policy, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China within the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the 16+1 cooperation framework between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries.