China and Albania signed seven cooperative agreements on Monday
in Beijing after a meeting between Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao and Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano.
The agreements include exemption from double taxation and
cooperation in the fields of economy, technology, education,
sports, radio and television broadcasting, and in chambers of
commerce.
Nano arrived in Beijing on Monday for an official visit and the
first meeting between the two countries' premiers in 38 years.
China and Albania established full diplomatic relations in November
1949.
Wen told Nano that China considers its relations with Albania
extremely important and hopes to strengthen bilateral relations on
the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and
non-interference in each other's internal affairs.
"China is satisfied with the smooth growth of bilateral ties as
we have strengthened political trust and expanded cooperation in
economy, justice, culture, education, sports and other areas," Wen
said.
He proposed that the two countries enhance political dialogue on
various levels and expand exchanges between governments,
parliaments, political parties and social organizations.
Wen said they should also raise the level of economic
cooperation and trade, encouraging businesses to invest in each
other's countries.
He also expressed China's appreciation of the Albanian
government's consistent adherence to the one-China policy.
Nano agreed with Wen's proposals, saying that Albania
particularly hopes to expand cooperation with China in economics
and trade. His country anticipates more Chinese companies
participating in the building of Albania's transportation, energy,
telecommunications, electronics and construction sectors.
The prime minister spoke highly of China's role as a permanent
member of the United Nations Security Council in promoting world
and regional peace, security and development.
Nano reiterated the Albanian government's commitment to the
one-China policy and its support of China's reunification.
(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2004)
