China and Albania will work to advance relations between the countries, says a joint communique issued Tuesday.

The communique, signed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, says that both sides highly value the development of bilateral relations over the 55 years of their diplomatic ties, and of their traditional friendship.

The communique says both sides pointed out that to promote bilateral cooperation in various fields is their common aspiration and is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the two governments. The countries will develop relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, reciprocity and peaceful co-existence, as well as other recognized norms of international law.

It says both sides agreed to strengthen dialogues at various levels, enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two governments, parliaments, local governments and non-governmental institutions.

The two sides stressed bilateral economic and trade cooperation, the communique says, and they agreed to encourage bilateral business contacts. They will provide facilities for business activities in line with laws of each country and international law.

Both sides will expand exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, sports, justice and military areas and implement all cooperative agreements signed between the two sides, says the communique.

Albania reiterates in the communique its position that there is only one China, that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Albania will not have official relations or contacts with Taiwan.

China appreciates Albania's consistent policy on the Taiwan question, says the communique.

Both sides reiterate their respect for the developing course chosen by the other side based on its own national conditions.

China understands the decision of the Albanian government to enter into the Europe-Atlantic integration process and appreciates Albania's stand to pursue a good-neighborly friendship policy, maintain the stability and development in southeast European regions and actively boost regional cooperation.

Albania attaches importance to the significant role played by China in world affairs and speaks highly of the positive contributions made by China as permanent member of the UN Security Council, in keeping world peace and in promoting the stability of southeastern Europe, according to the communique.

The two countries call for strengthening the role of the UN and the authority of the Security Council in maintaining world peace and stability and promoting common development of all nations, the communique says. And they agree to enhance cooperation within the framework of the UN and step up timely exchanges and consultations on issues of common interest.

Both hold that terrorism is currently a major threat to world peace and development and expressed their condemnation and protest against terrorism in any form.

The two call for intensifying international cooperation and resolutely fighting and preventing terrorist activities within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant international conventions on terrorism.

Meanwhile, both countries express their political willingness to step up consultation and cooperation in combating terrorism, organized crimes and drug trafficking.