China marks major anniversary at Tirana event

The establishment of the People’s Republic of China 65 years ago marked by embassy reception attended by top officials and public figures.
TIRANA, Sept. 30 – The 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China has been marked with a reception in Albania’s capital organized by the Chinese ambassador with the attendance of top politicians and public figures.
In a speech, Chinese Ambassador to Tirana Ye Hao said that relations between China and Albania have developed at a fast pace in recent years.
“Trade and economic cooperation have expanded Šand now China ranks as the third largest trade partner for Albania,” the ambassador said. “Chinese businesses have invested in various sectors such as mining and infrastructure. But can draw more Chinese companies to Albania.”
Ambassador Ye Hao also mentioned achievements in the field of arts and culture.
“Last November, a Confucius Institute opened [in Tirana], bringing more incentive to learn the Chinese language,” he said.
Speaker of Parliament Ilir Meta attended the reception as did government ministers and members of parliament from both the ruling an opposition parties. Foreign diplomats and key media figures were also present.
Albania and China will soon also celebrate the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Communist Albania was closely politically and economically allied with the PRC in the 1960s and 1970s, establishing strong ties between a generation of officials and common people.
Relations have been growing in recent years as well. In November 2013, Prime Minister Edi Rama met in Bucharest with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiangm and Rama was also present earlier this month at the World Economic Forum held in Tianjin, China.