New Image of Sino-Albanian Relations after 70 Years
“China continues to consider Albania as a friendly country. The Chinese Initiative ‘One Belt, One Road’ and the mechanism of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have brought closer the two countries again and have created new historical opportunities for the Sino- Albanian cooperation,” said Ambassador Zhou Ding
By Genc Mlloja
Senior Diplomatic Editor
Celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Albania and China have been a manifestation of the traditional friendly relations between the people of the two countries with the highest officials of them eyeing new opportunities to promote and diversify them in the new era. The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1,1949 and Albania was among the first 10 countries to recognize it establishing diplomatic relations a few months later. November 23, 1949 is the official date when Albania and China established their diplomatic relations.
2019, which is ‘closing’ its pages leaving space for 2020, has been the jubilant year of such an historical event for both countries and it was marked with various activities organized by the Chinese Embassy in cooperation with Albanian authorities and both sides have taken this opportunity to convey the message of friendship with the pledge to take these ties to a higher level benefitting both countries and people.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message with warm greetings and sincere wishes to his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta which was handed over to him by Zhang Qingli, deputy chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), who visited Tirana together with a delegation of the CPPCC in early
April 2019. The visit coincided with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Albania and China and Mr. Zhang expressed the aspiration that the traditional friendship between the two countries continues in the new era. According to him, the Chinese side appreciates the mutual political confidence with the Albanian side and wishes that they implement together the important consensus achieved between the leaders of the two countries based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and common profits promoting the Sino-Albanian friendly cooperation ties through the ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative.
Expressing his congratulations for the anniversary of the foundation of the People’s Republic of China, President Meta valued highly the friendly relations between the two countries and thanked China for its valuable support towards Albania.
He looked forward to the strengthening of the concrete bilateral cooperation in different fields becoming an added promoter of the development of the relations between Central and Eastern Europe and China.
Chinese Lantern Festival Creates Magic in Tirana Amidst the magical kick off of the Chinese Lantern Festival with lights and colors handcrafted at Tirana’s ‘Skenderbej’ Square the Chinese Ambassador, Zhou Ding, who appeared in a Chinese traditional dress, noted that the lanterns will brighten not only the square but also the path of the relations and friendship between China and Albania. He extended the wish to the two people as well as their families and friends to join together and increase the exchange of reciprocal visits in a ceremony marking the opening of “Happy Chinese New Year-The Chinese Lantern Festival” event in the capital Tirana on February 1.
Ambassador Zhou, Culture Minister Elva Margariti and Mayor Velija switched on the lights which together with the colorful fish-shaped lanterns and firecrackers brightened the sky of Tirana creating different figures like dragons, phoenixes, pandas, lotuses etc. in a joyful atmosphere echoing by songs and wishes for the New Chinese Year which lasted more than two hours to the joy of those present among whom deputy foreign minister, deputies, representatives of the Albanian-Chinese Friendship Association and Tirana citizens. These celebrations lasted for two weeks which was an opportunity for
Albanians to enjoy an aspect of the traditional Chinese culture.
Mr. Zhou brought to the attention that 2019 is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Albania. “This holiday is the prologue of events in the frame of celebrating this anniversary,” he said being optimist that a new page of Sino-Albanian friendship was being opened.
Conveying warm wishes to the Chinese people on the occasion of the Chinese New Year,
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj said the Lantern Festival is the most characteristic activity organized with the cooperation of Tirana City Hall and has offered an opportunity for the local people and foreign tourists to feel closely the beauties of the Chinese traditional culture. “The Sino-Albanian friendship has a long history and citizens have good memories and impressions on China. Tirana City Hall wishes to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation with the friendly provinces and cities of China including Beijing for the promotion of the exchanges in the fields of infrastructure, tourism, education within the frame of the ‘One Belt, One Road’ Initiative,” said Tirana Mayor.
Part of the celebrations of the Spring Festival was also the show entitled ‘Awakening’ which was performed by the ensemble of the Opera of the province of Guangdong in Tirana on February 14. The performance of the artists won the warm applause of the audience which enjoyed the beautiful and vivid dances amidst the mysterious atmosphere created by lights and music. “This activity on the occasion of the Chinese New Year has brought a festive atmosphere to Albanian friends. The art of dancing is the common language of humankind and can add to the exchange of thoughts and emotions between different civilizations,” said Ambassador Zhou before the start of the show considering it a gift for the 70th anniversary of the Sino-Albanian diplomatic relations.
‘Women Are Half of the Sky’
“We have an expression in China which says: “Women are half of the sky” … You in Albania have an expression that goes like this: “Woman is the neck, man is the head”. These two saying indicate the attention that our two countries pay to the rights of women and the evaluation of women’s contribution,” said Madame Lyu Renhong, the wife of the Chinese Ambassador to Albania. She made these remarks in an activity organized at the Chinese Embassy on March 8 under the motto ‘We celebrate March 8, remembering the friendship and looking forward to the future’. Mrs. Renhong said the friendly Sino-Albanian relations are shining with a new image after 70 years.
She was optimistic that the women of the two countries should inherit the seed of friendship of the older generation making their new contribution to the promotion of the bilateral cooperation in different fields. In their remarks Albanian women spoke of their experience during these 7 decades of friendship between Albania and China being hopeful for their development, particularly among women. Some of the speakers highlighted China’s contribution to the education of Albanian students in different branches as well as to the construction of many industrial works. Ms. Delina Fico, who was born in China in the 1960s, said China had become her second motherland. The Chinese student, Huang Ying, who is studying in Tirana, said she would learn hard for making her contribution to the strengthening of the friendship between the two people.
Sichuan, the ‘Celestial Prosperous Province’ in Tirana
Special characteristic dishes from Sichuan, traditional drinks and folk music of the province were the decor of the event at the Chinese Embassy which gathered more than 300 participants – Albanians and Chinese among whom businessmen from Sichuan, in the ‘Food Festival of Sichuan’ held on April 26. “The friendly exchanges between Sichuan and Albania have significantly increased. Artistic groups and Lantern Festival have entertained Albanian spectators,” said the Director of the Office of Emigrants’ Affairs of Sichuan province, Rey Wens.
In hisremarks General Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Environment Adrian Kamenica said Albania wishes to exploit more the opportunity for cooperation with China in different fields on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations,. “In 2018 the number of Chinese tourists who visited Albania grew by 65 percent,” said the official.
Albanian food products like honey, dairy, olive oil and wine will soon be on the tables of Chinese. This was unveiled by Ambassador Zhou Ding in his remarks in the event. “Currently, the relevant Chinese and Albanian officials are speeding up work on the export of Albanian qualitative food products to the Chinese market.”
Mr. Zhou revealed that Albania was among over 150 countries and international organizations which signed cooperation documents for the construction of ‘One Belt, One Road’ in the second Forum for International Cooperation in the frame of the Initiative held in Beijing in early 2019. The range of cooperation includes infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other fields, he said.
Youth, Missionaries of Sino- Albanian
Friendship”China continues to consider Albania as a friendly country. The Chinese Initiative ‘One Belt, One Road’ and the mechanism of cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have brought closer again the two countries and have created new historical opportunities for the Sino- Albanian cooperation,” said Ambassador Zhou Ding in a meeting with students of the Mediterranean University in Tirana on May 17 this year. He told a fully packed auditorium with students and professors that memories from the history of the
Sino- Albanian friendly cooperation are a joint spiritual wealth of the two countries. Being the second largest economy in the world, China eyes strengthening of pragmatic economic and trade cooperation on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual benefits, openness and transparency, said Ambassador Zhou. In his remarks Beijing’s top envoy to Tirana noted that different people should be vigilant towards the so called “theory of superior civilizations”. He said that China supports Albania’s EU accession and expects a faster development of the country. He expressed the hope that the staff and students of Mediterranean University become missionaries of the Sino-Albanian friendship and promoters of prosperity and development of Albania.
The President of the Mediterranean University, Anastas Angjeli, deputy of the ruling Socialist Party, confirmed that as the largest and most dynamic economy in the world, China has played a very important role for the promotion of the world economic growth as well as for the solution of the crisis of the global challenges. ‘One Belt, One Road’ is a meaningful project for the entire world and plays an important role for the economic development of the countries involved in this Initiative. “China and Albania should exploit this occasion to promote the economic, tourist, cultural and education cooperation,” said Mr. Angjeli, a former finance minister.
The Senior Diplomatic Editor of Albanian Daily News, Genc Mlloja was invited to the event where he spoke of his book ‘China, an Albanian Insight’ published on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Albania and China.
Social ‘Face’ of Albanian- Chinese Relationship
Health care is an important field of cooperation between Albania and China and the visit to
Tirana of the Health Minister, Ma Xiaowei on May 22-23 aimed at giving an impetus to the 2018-2020 Action Plan. In the talks of the Chinese minister with the Albanian counterpart, Ogerta Manastirliu as well as with deputy PM Erion Brace the parties exchanged views on the practical cooperation in the health care sector. It was agreed on better coordination of cooperation in aspects of hospital management and medical education through more intensive links between relevant medical institutions and exchange of visits to build a closer partnership in the health sector.
As part of the social spirit of the bilateral cooperation Ambassador Zhou Ding went to the northern city of Shkodra where he visited the ‘House of Children’ on the occasion of June 1, International Day of Children. Welcoming the Chinese guests the Director of the school, Gezim Mahmutaj made a resume of the situation of the school expressing gratitude for the aid of the Chinese Embassy for the children. An artistic show performed by the children included Albanian songs and dances as well as pieces of Taiji exercises. The atmosphere became more cheerful while presents were given to the children on such a special day of solidarity.
Shkodra is a city radiating love and this love has brought a warm shelter like this to the unprotected children, said Ambassador Zhou who noted that such a love made possible that meeting between Chinese and Albanians of different generations.
Some 40 years ago when the relationship between the two countries was very special China helped Albania to build the Vau i Denjes hydro- power station on the Drini River, which was named after late Chinese historical leader Mao Zedong at that time. It has been one of the major works in the effort for electrifyingall parts of this Balkan country. Some 30 big industrial works were constructed in Albania with the Chinese contribution during the time of friendship.
After 1978 the bilateral relations worsened because of ideological contradictions between the leaderships of Beijing and Tirana, and one of the main causes was the improvement of China’s relations with the US, which is now Albania’s number one strategic partner. The late last communist president, Ramiz Alia wrote in his book ‘Jeta Ime’ (My Life) that the worsening of the relations between the two countries harmed Albania more than China. “Albania lost an important support for its economic development, especially when we gave ourselves the right to interfere in the political choice of China on the occasion of the establishment of its relations with US.” (pg 273-274, Albanian edition). The relations between the two countries started to improve rapidly after 1990s being guided by the principles of mutual respect, equality and common profit.
On 12-13 June a social activity was organized in the southern city of Vlora during which Ambassador Zhou presented sportive equipment to the gymnasium ‘Ali Demi’. The Ambassador pledged that the Chinese Embassy will support the cooperation of the University of Vlora with Chinese universities and unveiled that a conference with the participation of specialists and researchers would be held on the occasion of the 70thanniversary. The two-day seminar was held on 12-13 October this year and participants dwelt on the history, the present and the future of Sino-Albanian relations making suggestions for the further development of the bilateral ties, especially in the economic field.
“Beyond Memories” Exhibition Marked Anniversary
“In 12 days, on the 23rd of November, we will have the 70th Anniversary of the China-Albania relations. Albania is one of the ten countries that first established diplomatic relations with P.R China in 1949. In the past 70 years, both the world and our two countries have gone through tremendous changes. Yet the ties between us remain strong; our fond feeling for each other remains unchanged. Today, based on our traditional friendship and the principle of equality and mutual benefit, our cooperation is deepening,” has said the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Zhou Ding in the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Beyond Memories”. The exhibition, which was launched on November 11 at the premises of Premier’s Office, was hosted by the Center for Openness and Dialogue of Prime Minister’s office and the Chinese Embassy in Tirana. The event was attended by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and other senior government officials, former Albanian Ambassadors to Beijing and other Albanian and Chinese guests. “As it is shown in the 16 stamps exhibited here today, which are themed on China and published by Albania in different historic times, we see a country ten thousand miles away from China who has always kept a passionate eye on China. These tiny stamps concentrate the profound feelings of the two peoples. I’ve also noticed that many art works from China are about our friendship,” said Ambassador Zhou in his greeting remarks.
“Beyond Memories” brought a collection of the commemorative stamps and an envelope themed on China, issued by ‘Posta Shqiptare’ from 1968 to 2009, as well as
Chinese traditional artworks from the city of Nanjing. In total, ‘Posta Shqiptare’ has issued 16 stamps and an envelope themed on China.
“Relations that date back to 70 years ago. A weird and special relationship at the same time of one of the smallest countries in Eastern Europe and the largest country of the world. This event is a moment of returning to the past through images most of which are known by us,” Prime Minister Rama said in his remarks adding that today Albania is a NATO member while China persists in cultivating the agreed policies since long time and is in a continent state. “It is no surprise at all that China is the greatest trade partner of Albania after the EU and the portfolio of this relationship has no other alternative but to witness continuous growth,” said the PM who noted that Albania has become a country which is selected for vacations by the Chinese.
Mr. Rama evaluated the cultural aspect of China which is diverse and has a deep and comprehensive knowledge. He called the desk of Albanian language in Beijing as a jewel of the relationship and evaluated highly the skill of the Chinese students to write in Albanian. “I have tried to find an orthographic mistake of the Chinese Embassy in Albania and I have found not a single one so far. Those who write the Albanian language better in Albania today are the Chinese… The Chinese are the invincible protectors of the castle of the Albanian language which is being massacred by us.” Mr. Rama said that Albanian-Chinese relations will be fruitful as long as they maintain the two lines mentioned above regarding the approach towards the other’s reality. “I wish that our friendship will be mutual and we profit the most possible not financially because today China is nourishing knowledge as exponential richness,” said the Albanian Prime Minister.
© 2019 Argumentum.
