China is ready to work with Albania to push for the bilateral friendly cooperative relations, said State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan in Beijing Tuesday.

 

"China and Albania enjoy profound traditional friendship," Tang said in a meeting with visiting former Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta, noting that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the friendly ties with Albania.

 

China and Albania in recent years has achieved new progress in the development of bilateral relations, and expanded cooperation in various fields, Tang said.

 

"We are ready to work with Albania to push forward the bilateral relations, in line with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," Tang said.

 

Meta said he was "impressed" by what he had seen in China's social and economic development, and he himself would continue his efforts to further promote Albania-China relations.

 

Meta said Albania is committed to one-China policy, and this position is "very clear" and "unchangeable."

 

Meta was here as guest of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2006)