Prime Minister Sali Berisha held a cordial meeting with the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo . 

 

During his first visit to Albania, in the framework of the 60 anniversary of establishment of the diplomatic relations between Albania and China, Mr. Wu Hongbo praised the very good relations between the two countries and friendly peoples and highlighted the constant efforts of Premier Berisha to promote mutual cooperation. 

The Assistant Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China Wu Hongbo conveyed to Premier Berisha greetings from Premier Wen Jiabao as well as the wish of the latter of having a bilateral with Premier Berisha in the sidelines of the Asia Economic Summit.

 

Mr. Hongbo  considered Albania China relations an important part of the Chinese foreign policy in Europe. The history has tested the relations between our two countries, said Mr. Hongbo.

“China considers Albania an old friend and important partner in Southeast Europe. We have supported Albania for its integration and development and we shall continuo to do so,” said the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo .

 

Premier Berisha thanked Mr. Hongbo for his Albania visit and conveyed best regards for his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and expressed gratitude for the assistance that China has provided Albania with.

 

In this context, Premier Berisha highlighted the very good bilateral relations and the growing tendency over the recent two years.

Further on, Premier Berisha said that the Chinese companies are welcomed to invest in Albania in fields of interest for them like in the mining industry, energy, infrastructure, tourism etc and ensured that the government of Albania would facilitate the opportunities for the Chinese companies with success stories in Albania.

 

Likewise, Premier Berisha expressed the wish for the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to come and visit Albania and Mr.  Hongbo responded that the invitation would be accepted with satisfaction as an historic development and stimulation of the relations between the two countries. The talks also focused on some substantial aspects of the economic cooperation as well as in signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between Albania and China; a possible soft credit to the government of Albania and further Chinese assistance in the framework of further informatisation of the Albanian society. 

 

Mr. Hongbo said that China was happy at the increase of the trade exchanges between the two countries and that China welcomes Albanian products in its market.

Also the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo said that China would continuo to support and provide grants as Albania economy consolidates.

 

Both sides agreed that the work of the inter-ministerial groups should immediately begin in the framework of joint projects.

 

25/02/2009