The well-preserved old town of Berat in south-central Albania

During the past few years, Albania has made great strides in economic achievements. Last year GDP growth was 6.5%, and even in this year of world recession it is expected to be positive. In April Albania joined NATO and formally applied to join the European Union.

Meanwhile, the bilateral trade between China and Albania ushered in a new era. In 1992, the total trade volume was only 1.79 million USD, most of which was exports to China. In 2007, the bilateral trade surged to 155.76 million USD, almost increasing 90 times than that in 1992.

“This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China, I want to wish Chinese people great progress, prosperity and to live happily,” said Ambassador Maxhun at the end of the interview.

Hopefully, with bilateral exchanges at various levels being increased, China-Albania relations can continue to work together, and regain that brotherhood which Zhang Xiaoyu remembers.