Jiang said China and Albania have just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the traditional friendship between the two peoples have remained intact despite of the changes in their countries and in the world.

In recent years, bilateral cooperation has witnessed new development, Jiang said, stressing that it is in the interest of both sides to continue to push their relationship forward.

China respects the independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Albania, as well as the development course chosen by its people, and also attaches great importance to friendship with Albania based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Jiang expressed a willingness to work together with Meidani to achieve further progress in bilateral ties in the new century, and said he greatly appreciates the Albanian government's pursuit of the "One China" policy.

Meidani said he is pleased that his current visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the founding of the People's Republic of China. He congratulated Jiang on China's dramatic development under the correct political and economic policies adopted by the Chinese government.

He noted that in recent years, bilateral political ties have been reinforced and high-level contacts increased, expressing the hope that further development will be achieved in this regard.

He stressed that the Albanian government recognizes only one China, the People's Republic of China, and voiced the hope that China will realize reunification at an early date.

Jiang said that economic and trade relations are an important part of bilateral relations and efforts should be made by both countries to further develop trade. Jiang stressed that the government should create favorable conditions for promoting China' s enterprises with Albania.

Meidani said that Albania hopes to work closely with China in a number of areas, especially in the realm of energy. Albania also welcomes China to participate in rebuilding the Balkan region.

On the Kosovo issue, Jiang said both Albania and Yugoslavia are friends of China. China sincerely hopes that the Kosovo issue will be settled as early as possible so that countries in the region can rebuild and develop their economy.

Jiang said that although China and Albania have different views on Kosovo, they share a wide range of views on many other matters.

Meidani echoed Jiang's view by adding that although different countries will invariably hold different views on a number of important issues, this should not interfere with developing bilateral relations. Meidani invited Jiang to visit Albania. Jiang expressed his thanks for this.

Prior to the meeting between the two leaders, Jiang presided over a welcoming ceremony in honor of Meidani and his entourage.