Telegram from Mao Zedong et al. Congratulating Albania on the Anniversary of Its Independence and Liberation (November 26, 1957)To Comrade Haxhi Lleshi, Chairman of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania; to Comrade Mehmet Shehu, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Albania; and to Comrade Enver Hoxha, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Labor Party of Albania:On the occasion of the forty-fifth anniversary of Albania’s national independence and the thirteenth anniversary of its liberation, we, on behalf of the Chinese people and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, extend our heartfelt and warmest congratulations to you and, through you, to the fraternal Albanian people and the Government of the People’s Republic of Albania.Forty-five years ago, the indomitable struggle waged by the brave Albanian people against the dark rule of the Ottoman Turks in pursuit of national liberation greatly inspired oppressed peoples worldwide with confidence in their own victories for national emancipation.
Subsequently, during the anti-fascist war of liberation, the Albanian people, under the leadership of the Labor Party of Albania, displayed extraordinary courage, fortitude, unwavering perseverance, and a spirit of overcoming all difficulties, earning widespread praise from anti-fascist nations throughout the world.For thirteen years now, under the guidance of the Labor Party of Albania, the Albanian people have made tremendous achievements in building socialism, improving living standards, strengthening solidarity among the countries of the socialist camp led by the Soviet Union, and safeguarding world peace.
The Chinese people are deeply delighted by these accomplishments.In recent years, the friendly and cooperative relations between the Chinese and Albanian peoples have grown considerably.
Mutual visits by delegations—the delegation of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China headed by Comrade Peng Zhen [1] and the delegation of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania led by Comrade Rita Marko [2]—have further reinforced this friendship and cooperation.May the fraternal Albanian people continue to achieve even greater successes in building a happy life and in upholding world peace and human progress.
May the brotherly friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and Albanian peoples become ever stronger and more prosperous.President of the People’s Republic of ChinaChairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of ChinaLiu Shaoqi, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of ChinaZhou Enlai, Premier of the State Council and Minister of Foreign AffairsBeijing, November 26, 1957Printed according to the November 28, 1957 issue of the People’s Daily.Notes[1] Peng Zhen was then Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, First Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPC, and Mayor of Beijing.
In January 1957, he led a delegation of the National People’s Congress and a delegation of the Beijing Municipal People’s Committee on a visit to the People’s Republic of Albania.[2] Rita Marko was then Speaker of the People’s Assembly of the People’s Republic of Albania.
In May 1957, she led a delegation of the People’s Assembly on a visit to China.