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)
