China offers four-point proposal to further relations with Albania

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-24 16:46

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao put forth a four-point proposal on April 21 to further cooperation with Albania. It urged both countries to:

-- increase exchanges at all levels to cement political relations by using the opportunity of the 60th anniversary of Sino-Albanian ties;

-- promote substantial cooperation based on equality and reciprocity and put more emphasis on information technology, energy, infrastructure, and mining exploration;

-- expand cooperation in the areas of culture, public health, agriculture and tourism to enrich bilateral ties;

-- strengthen coordination in the United Nations and other international organizations to safeguard the interests of developing nations and unity of the United Nations.

Wen made the proposal during talks with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

Wen said Albania was China's traditional partner in southeast Europe, and inheriting and developing the Sino-Albanian relationship was a common aspiration of both peoples.

Berisha said he was happy to visit China during the 60th anniversary of Sino-Albania ties. He said Albania valued relations with China and was thankful for China's long-term assistance.

He agreed with Wen's proposal on developing Albania-China ties, vowing to use the 60th anniversary to expand cooperation on the economy, energy, and culture sectors and promote coordination in international organizations.

The two countries issued a joint statement on traditional friendship and also signed documents on cultural and public health cooperation.

In Earlier times, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Albanian counterpart, Lulzim Basha, held talks.