Vice premier calls for closer cooperation with Albania

Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with Albanian Foreign Minister Edmond Panariti in Beijing on Monday, calling for further cooperation between both countries.

"The two countries have achieved positive results in economic, trade,cultural and social cooperation," Li said.

"China is willing to work with Albania to further promote trade and mutual investment and enhance cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, culture and education," he added.

Li said China "respects and understands" Albania's efforts to join the European Union.

"China attaches great importance to the EU's political and economic influence and regards it as an important power in the world. China believes that the EU will properly handle the sovereign debt issue through its wisdom and capability," said Li.

He said China is willing to seize new opportunities and work with the EU to build comprehensive, in-depth and lasting relations, he said.

Panariti said Albania values its friendship with China and is willing to work with the Chinese side to enhance communication and expand pragmatic cooperation.