Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Chadian counterpart Ahmad Allam-mi signed a joint communique Sunday night to resume diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, right, and his Chadian counterpart Ahmad Allam-mi shake hands after signing a joint communique to resume diplomatic ties between the two countries in Beijing late Sunday, Aug. 6, 2006. [Xinhua]

"The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Chad, in accordance with the interests and aspiration of the peoples of the two countries, agreed to resume diplomatic ties at the ambassador level starting from August 6, 2006," the communique says.

The two countries have agreed to resend ambassadors to each other's countries and provide convenience for the establishment and work of each other's embassies on an equal footing, it says.

According to the communique, the Chinese government supports the efforts made by the Chadian government to safeguard state sovereignty and develop economy.

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

The Chinese government expresses appreciation for the above stance the Chadian government pursues, the communique says.

After the signing ceremony, Li and Ahmad Allam-mi had exchange of views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of common concern.

Chad is the 169th country that has diplomatic ties with China.

The two countries established formal diplomatic links in 1972 but China severed diplomatic relations with Chad in 1997 when the country "resumed" diplomatic ties with Taiwan.