On the second day of his visit to the People's Republic of China, Foreign Minister Bushati was welcomed by the Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi.

The two ministers confirmed the traditional friendship between the two countries, expressed willingness for further strengthening bilateral cooperation within the framework of the “Initiative 16 + 1 China - Central and Eastern European countries”.

"I would like to reaffirm our commitment in strengthening traditional friendship and mutual trust between our countries" - said Minister Wang Yi during his conversation with Minister Bushati. He highlighted the Albanian support to PRC's regarding the return to UN and Security Council. Minister Wang Yi praised Albania's policy on the recognition of only one China. "Albania is an important part of Central and Eastern Europe and member of Initiative 16 + 1 cooperation. In such context, thanks to its efforts and other CEE countries and China, cooperation and trust between our countries has increased, but also among the countries of CEE, which are an example of regional cooperation, enabling the transition to a more mature stage of cooperation “- Minister Wang noted. He reaffirmed the support of the Chinese Government for projects of mutual interest within the framework of bilateral cooperation and willingness to participate in more projects in the fields of energy, infrastructure and industry.

Minister Bushati reinforced the willingness for further intensification of relations and cooperation with China. Currently the relationship with China reflects a very good climate of bilateral cooperation. On 2016, China is ranked as the second largest trade partner of Albania. Asserting the Chinese side, that Albania recognizes the policy of a single China, Minister Bushati expressed the willingness of Albanian side to further strengthen inter-state dialogue at all levels: between the two governments, parliamentary, academic, cultural and other fields of interest mutual.

Moreover, the Minister emphasized the need to boost trade and economic cooperation and cooperation in other fields such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, culture and education. In such context, Minister Bushati asked the Chinese side to support concrete projects in these areas and awareness of Chinese investors on the favorable climate in Albania.

Within the framework of 16+1Initiative, Minister Bushati reassured the willingness of the Albanian side to deepen the cooperation in the development of road infrastructure, rail, port and airport under the principle of mutual benefit. He expressed willingness to actively discuss with China on cooperation in construction of regional transport networks, exploring possibilities of cooperation Albania + China + CEE countries in this field as well as the expansion of the initiative with other members of the region.

In conclusion of the meeting, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Foreign Ministries to facilitate the mutual visa agreement procedure. Also, the parties signed an Agreement regarding the embassies building. Such agreements were signed in the presence of media. Afterwards Ministers Bushati and Wang held a press conference.

“Albania confirms gladly China's pragmatic approach to our region – said Minister Bushati during the press conference – and I would like to encourage the Chinese authorities to further develop this approach and support the new realities in South-Eastern Europe, where there are set up new mechanisms of regional cooperation. These mechanisms -he said further on- aim to transform old enemies into pragmatic neighbors”. “Albania - highlighted Minister Bushati - is a small country, but a true friend and partner of China and the Chinese people. The important agreement regarding the facilitation of the visa regime that we signed today clearly demonstrates the nature of our true partnership and I am sure that it will turn Albania in one of the best destinations for Chinese investors and tourists in Europe.”

Also, Minister Bushati met with the Chairman of the International Affairs Department of the CPC, Mr. Song Tao, where he was the special guest and delivered a speech at the Institute for European Studies at the Academy of Social Sciences of China on the topic : “China and the countries of South-eastern Europe: from competition to association”.

At the meeting with the Chairman of the International Affairs Department of the CPC, Mr. SongTao, was confirmed the 67-year friendship between our countries and discussed new potential cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

In one of the most respected institutions in the country, the Institute of European Studies at the Academy of Social Sciences of China, Minister Bushati presented the reforms program undertaken in Albania, the progress and strengthening of Albanian-Chinese relations, the impact of Chinese initiatives in Central and Eastern Europe, and our cooperation in facing international challenges.