(Beijing, 21 April 2009)

At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Sali Ram Berisha of the Republic of Albania paid an official visit to China on 17-21 April 2009.

President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China met with Prime Minister Berisha and Premier Wen Jiabao had official talks with Prime Minister Berisha. Leaders of the two sides took stock of the development of bilateral relations in 60 years, had an in-depth exchange of views on further strengthening and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields between the two sides and regional and international issues of mutual interests and they reached extensive agreement.

I. The Albanian side applauds the progress and achievements made by China since the founding of the People's Republic 60 years ago and expresses appreciation of China's contribution to promoting world peace and development. The Chinese side extends sincere gratitude to the Albanian side for support to the People's Republic in various fields.

II. The two sides commend the rich fruits yielded in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago and stress that their time-honored friendship is a precious asset jointly created by the two peoples and serves as a solid foundation for further growth of bilateral relations. The two sides point out that their differences in historical background, social system, ideology and development model will not stand in the way of the development of their bilateral relations as proved by the experience in the past 60 years. The two sides agreed to hold a series of activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.

III. The two sides believe that deepening the traditional friendly relations between the two countries enjoys tremendous popular support as it serves the interests of both countries. The two sides agree to conduct mutually beneficial cooperation of greater strategic significance across the board and promote bilateral relations based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence and other universally recognized norms governing international relations.

IV. The two sides are ready to continue to strengthen and enrich dialogues at the top and other levels and enhance exchanges and cooperation between governments, parliaments and political parties to deepen mutual understanding, expand common ground and promote mutual trust.

V. The two sides stress that they will make every effort to promote bilateral economic cooperation and trade, expand mutual investment and realize balance of trade at an early date. Based on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win outcome, the two sides will bring into full play the guiding role of competent government authorities of the two countries and the Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation and Trade, support more exchanges between enterprises of the two sides and explore new areas and forms of cooperation. The Chinese side supports competent Chinese enterprises in investing and participating in infrastructure construction, energy and mining development in Albania and welcomes more Albanian products to enter the Chinese market.

The Albanian side commends the Chinese Government's assistance provided for Albanian economic development.

VI. The two sides are willing to continue to expand traditional cooperation in such fields as culture, education, radio, film and television, give priority to enhancing exchanges in fields such as tourism, agriculture, public health, science and technology, earnestly implement various cooperation agreements and, at the same time, encourage the expansion of friendly exchanges at the local level and between civic organizations of the two sides.

VII. The Albanian side reiterated its firm commitment to the one China policy. It recognizes that there is but one China in the world. The Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Albania will not establish official relations or have official exchanges with the Taiwan authorities. Albania opposes Taiwan's joining of any international organization that requires statehood or any form of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. Albania respects China's efforts to realize national reunification.

The Chinese side highly appreciates the above position of the Albanian side.

VIII. The Chinese side respects the development path chosen by the Albanian people based on their national conditions and understands Albania's efforts to join the European integration. China appreciates Albania's commitment to its good-neighborly policy to promote stability and development in the Balkan region and regional cooperation.

IX. The two sides state that they will uphold the purpose and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and support UN's leading role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting common development of all countries, peacefully resolving international disputes and addressing problems the whole humanity faces. They both believe that the role and authority of the United Nations and its Security Council should be strengthened and the pluralism in world civilizations and diversity in development patterns should be respected.

The two sides are ready to continue to strengthen cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations and have timely communication and consultation on issues of mutual interest to jointly promote the building of a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity.

X. The two sides stress that terrorism is an international menace to the security of the whole humanity. The international community should conduct international anti-terrorism cooperation based on the Charter of the United Nations and other universally recognized international laws and norms governing international relations. The two sides will earnestly implement relevant resolutions of the Security Council and respect each other's concerns in the security field.

XI. The two sides believe that the continuous spreading of the international financial crisis is exerting a severe impact on economic development and people's livelihood of all countries. The international community should further strengthen macro-economic policy coordination, oppose trade protectionism, deepen financial regulatory cooperation and curb the spread and evolvement of the financial crisis to minimize the impact of the crisis on developing countries and jointly address this global challenge.