Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Albanian President Bamir Topi, who is here attending the ceremony for the China National Pavilion Day at the World Expo Park in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 1, 2010. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)
SHANGHAI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo met with Albanian President Bamir Topi on Friday, pledging to promote friendly cooperation between the two countries.
Ahead of their meeting, the two leaders attended celebrations marking the China National Pavilion Day at the Shanghai World Expo.
Topi expressed congratulations to Wu on the 61st anniversary of the founding of New China and the success of the Shanghai Expo and the China National Pavilion Day.
Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said Topi's presence at the China National Pavilion Day showed the importance Albania attached to the Shanghai Expo and the goodwill the Albanian people towards the Chinese people.
Albania was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1949. "The two countries should cherish the deeply-rooted friendship," said Wu.
Hailing the smooth bilateral ties and new progress achieved in recent years, Wu said the relationship was entering a period of "comprehensive development" and "unprecedented opportunities."
"China is willing to expand exchanges with Albania between governments, parliaments, political parties and the young people so as to explore new means of partnership," said Wu.
"The increased cooperation has brought real benefits to the two peoples. There is no obstacle down the road," said Topi.
The Albanian President said he expected more cooperation with China in hydropower and telecommunication, welcomed more Chinese businesses to invest in his country.
"We welcome Chinese enterprises to engage in Albanian economic development and the government will provide a good environment for them," said Topi.