China and Liberia have signed a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In the communique signed on Saturday in the Liberian capital of Monrovia, the two countries, "in conformity with the interests and desire of the two peoples, decided to resume diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, effective from October 11, 2003."

It said the two nations "agreed to exchange Ambassadors and facilitate the work of each other's embassy on a reciprocal basis."

The Chinese government supports Liberia in its efforts to safeguard state sovereignty and develop economy, said the communique.

The Liberian government "recognizes 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 the Chinese territory," it said.

The Chinese government appreciates this position of the Liberian government, it added.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2003)