Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Olta Xhaçka, received in a meeting the State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Wang Yi, during his visit to Albania on October 29, 2021, as part of a regional tour.

The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of People’s Republic of China return to the UN, for which State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi underlined Albania’s special contribution and conveyed thankfulness and gratitude of the Chinese government and its people.

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, and the State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, exchanged views on the bilateral relations issues, emphasizing the mutual willingness to expand economic, trade, cultural, diplomatic and political exchanges.

A special part during the talks was dedicated to the exchange of views on the cooperation in the UN Security Council where Albania will sit for a two-year term during 2022 – 2023. The two ministers confirmed the mutual will to hold consultations and make sincere efforts to find ways for better cooperation and understanding.

“Albania`s foreign policy approach today is based on principles and values that are inspired by our historical experience. We have the full willingness to cooperate closely with the People’s Republic of China on all those issues where we share common positions and interests, by recognizing at the same time the role of China in the global arena,“- said Minister Xhaçka.

Talks focused on bilateral co-operation and opportunities for its further development in areas of mutual interest, focusing on economic and cultural cooperation, the fight against pandemics and cooperation in the field of health, as well as cooperation within regional initiatives [China-CEEC].

The two ministers supported the abolition of visas for all Albanian citizens who want to visit China, for which Minister Yi assessed that his country will respect the principle of reciprocity.

Minister Wang Yi’s visit is the first by a chief diplomat of the People’s Republic of China since 2011.