导语：Respectable Diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC Your Excellencies Ambassadors, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear brothers and sisters, fellow compatriots, Dear friends,Welcome! My heartfelt thanks go to each of you for your presence here today, honoring us on this memo
Respectable Diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC
Your Excellencies Ambassadors, and members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear brothers and sisters, fellow compatriots,
Dear friends,
Welcome! My heartfelt thanks go to each of you for your presence here today, honoring us on this memorable day for our nation.
November 28, 1912(nineteen twelve), remains the most sacred and significant day for Albania and the Albanian people. It embodies the struggle, efforts, sacrifices, and selflessness of countless generations of Albanians over the centuries. Today, our deepest respect goes to those Albanian who made the ultimate sacrifice, laying the foundation of the new Albanian state, and to those who gave their all to defend, liberate, and enrich the nation through the ages, bringing us to the present day.
However, this day also reminds us that freedom, and the preservation of peace and security, are not taken for granted, and that we must work tirelessly together to safeguard them. The Russian attack against Ukraine, already three years now, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and other regional and internal conflicts are casting dark shadows of an imminent global confrontation. Our appeal today must be to stop the wars and conflicts and to embrace sincere cooperation for greater peace, security, and prosperity across the globe.
Today, on the 112th (hundred twelfth) anniversary of our Independence, we Albanians have every reason to be proud of our country’s achievements and image. Once the poorest and most isolated country in Europe, today’s Albania stands as an open country with a growing, diverse market economy. It is a small nation but rich in natural beauty and resources, with a vibrant, open-minded, and well-educated young generation that makes up the majority of the population. Albania is known for its religious tolerance, boundless hospitality, and friendship towards all. With a business climate and economic growth recognized by international reports, Albania welcomed over 10 million tourists last year alone, creating more than 225,000 (two hundredtwenty fives thousands) new jobs. It is a member of the world’s most prestigious international organizations and a contributor to several international missions. The country has recently opened negotiations with the European Union and has begun discussions on the first chapters toward full membership. Albania’s role as a factor of peace and stability in the region is significant and internationally valued. The reforms and openness following the 1990s (nineteen ninety) have transformed Albania into an upper-middle-income country with a well-regarded growth and development trajectory.
Today, we have an additional reason to celebrate here in Beijing. Seventy-five years ago, Albania was among the first countries to officially recognize the People’s Republic of China and immediately established diplomatic relations. The Albanian-Chinese relations have been more than merecooperation between two states; it has been a sincere friendship and brotherly assistance. The Albanian people are forever grateful for the support from China. Our position on the “One China” policy remains unchanged. The historic relationship between Albania and China, forged through decades of hardship for both nations, became a rare example of respect and friendship between peoples. This bond remains our most valuable asset today.
We must show a deep gratitude to all who have contributed to this friendship over the years: the teachers, journalists, translators, artists, and cultural figures, as well as the engineers, technicians, and specialists who worked hand-in-hand with their Albanian friends and colleagues over the decades. Special thanks to the Albanian section of China Media Group (CMGshqip) and the two universities: the long-time BFSU (Beijing Foreign Studies University) and the new one, BISU (Beijing International Studies University), for their valuable contributions.
Today, Albania-China relations are built on a solid foundation. China stands as Albania’s second-largest trade and investment partner. The China-CEEC Mechanism and the “Belt and Road” Initiative offer highly motivating platforms for mutual cooperation through joint projects. Based on these, Chinese companies in Albania are now active in strategic sectors such as energy, oil, aviation, and mining. New ideas are being explored in land transportation, construction, tourism, the banking sector, and more.
Dear friends,
Allow me to propose a toast to this Great Day for Albanians and to a bright future for Albania-China relations.
Cheers! And thank you!