On the morning of April 4, 2004, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing held talks with visiting Foreign Minister of Albania Kastriot Islami.

Li Zhaoxing said Albania was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China and friendship between the two peoples therefore enjoys a long history. Currently, there has been a good momentum for development of China-Albania relations and cooperation between the two sides has made strides forward. Li expressed confidence that the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries would register further development in the new century. Li also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all Albanian administrations for their persistent adherence to the one-China policy.

Islami said bilateral relations had been developing smoothly since Albania and China established diplomatic relations 55 years ago. Albania would like to maintain and enhance the existing exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries in the context of changed situations and is confident that good political relations will greatly promote the development of economic and trade ties between the two sides.

The government of Albania attaches great importance to development of bilateral relations and will continue to adhere to its principled stance of one-China principle unswervingly with regard to the Taiwan issue and support China's lofty cause of reunification.

The Albanian side highly complimented the tremendous achievements that China had scored since the introduction of the initiative of reform and opening up and expressed willingness to learn from the successful experience of China in this regard.

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

Islami started his official visit to China on March 31st at the invitation of Li Zhaoxing, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China.