China will work with Albania to lift bilateral relations into a new high, said Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during the talks with his Albanian counterpart Besnik Mustafaj in Beijing Wednesday.

 

Li said China and Albania enjoyed traditional friendship and had witnessed smooth development of bilateral ties as a whole in recent years.

 

The two nations had increased personnel exchanges in various levels, expanded pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and maintained sound coordination in international affairs, Li noted.

 

Li said China appreciated Albania's adherence to one-China policy, and respected Albania's efforts in integration into Europe.

 

Mustafaj said Albanian government attached great importance to the relations with China, and hoped to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, in a bid to push for Albania-China relations.

 

Albania would firmly stick to one-China policy, and support China's reunification, Mustafaj said.

 

Expressing appreciation for China's positive role in international affairs, Mustafaj said Albania was ready to keep up consultations with China in multilateral fields.

 

Li and Mustafaj also exchanged views on regional situation and other issues of common concern.

 

Vice President Zeng Qinghong also met with Mustafaj, vowing to enhance the bilateral cooperation.

 

"China values traditional friendship with Albania, and will push forward cooperation based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Zeng said.

 

Albania was one of the first countries which forged diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and had made historical contribution to the resumption of China's legal seat in the United Nations.

 

The Sino-Albanian relations had progressed rapidly in recent years, Zeng said, indicating the deepened cooperation on trade, education and culture, as well as in dealing with the international affairs.

 

Mustafaj was here on an official visit to China from November 26 to Decemer 1 at the invitation of Li.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 30, 2006)