On April 2nd, 2004, State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan met with visiting Albanian Foreign Minister Kastriot Islami at Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai. The two sides exchanged views on China-Albania relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Tang Jiaxuan said relations between the two countries have been developing smoothly in recent years, with cooperation in various fields expanding and coordination and cooperation in international organizations becoming ever closer. The Chinese government attaches great importance to developing friendly relations between the two countries and would like to make joint efforts with Albania to promote the comprehensive development of bilateral relations in the new century. Tang expressed appreciation and gratitude to the administrations of Albania for their persistent adherence to the one-China principle and support for China's lofty cause of reunification.

Islami said the relations between Albania and China have been good, which have been reflected by the continuous exchanges of top-level visits and increasingly enhanced mutual political trust. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Albania stands ready to work together with China to bring their bilateral relations towards a new high.

Islami sang high praise for the huge achievements in various fields that China had made in recent years and reaffirmed that Albania would continue to pursue the one-China policy as always, stressing that this was a set principle of the Albanian government and would never change.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Hui and Ambassador of Albania to China Kujtim Xhani were present at the meeting.