Joint Communique Between the People's Republic of China and the Cook Islands on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
2003/10/27
The Government of the People's Republic of
China and the Government of the Cook Islands, in conformity
with the interests and desires of the two peoples, have
decided to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial
level, effective from 25 July 1997.
The two
Governments have agreed to develop friendly relations and
cooperation between the two countries on the basis of the
principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial
integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each
other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and
peaceful coexistence.
The Government of the
People's Republic of China reaffirms that there is only one
China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of
the territory of the People's Republic of China. The Cook
Islands Government recognizes this position of the Chinese
Government. The Cook Islands Government recognizes the
Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole
legal government of China. The Government of the Cook
Islands reaffirms its long-standing policy not to enter into
official relations with Taiwan in any form.
The
Government of the People's Republic of China supports the
people of the Cook Islands in their efforts to achieve, in
full, their objectives in the area of social, economic and
cultural development.
The Government of the
People's Republic of China and the Government of the Cook
Islands have agreed to exchange ambassadors as soon as
practicable, and to provide each with all the necessary
assistance for the performance by the other's diplomatic
representatives of the diplomatic functions in accordance
with international practice and, on a reciprocal basis, on
the principle of equality and mutual benefit and in the
spirit of friendly consultation.
(signed) Huang
Guifang for the Government of People's Republic of
China
(signed)Iaveta Short for the
Government of the Cook Islands
Wellington, 25 July 1997
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