At the invitation of the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congressof the People’s Republic of China, the head of the China-Armenia Friendship Group, Liu Qingjian, the delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the RA National Assembly, the Head of the Armenia-China Friendship Group, Hakob Arshakyan, is on an official visit to Beijing.
The delegation includes Andranik Kocharyan, Lena Nazaryan, Taguhi Ghazaryan, Hayk Tsirunyan from the RA NA “Civil Agreement” Faction and MP Gegham Nazaryan “Hayastan” Faction.
On 19 June, the delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly met with Mr. Shokrat Zakir, Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China.
Hakob Arshakyan noted that the Republic of Armenia views relations with China as one of the important priorities of foreign policy, which is included in the 2021-2026 Plan of the RA Government.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly noted that the Armenian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation is developing at a high pace.
Issues related to the effectiveness of cooperation in the direction of road construction, energy, high-tech development were discussed.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly welcomed the active involvement of the People’s Republic of China in the development of the South Caucasus, which has a positive effect on the stability and security of our region.
He emphasized that Armenia remains loyal to the “One China” principle.
It has been recorded that Chinese companies are showing interest in participating in the infrastructure projects of the most importance for the development of Armenia’s economy, including both international tender and investment projects.
Chinese companies are actively involved in major projects implemented in RA, such as the construction of the North-South highway and the Kaps reservoir.
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly noted that the North-South highway is of vital importance for Armenia, it is part of the “Crossroads of Peace” concept put forward by the RA Government. Both sides emphasized the importance of “Crossroads of Peace” and “One Belt, One Road” Initiatives and highlighted their common points.
Hakob Arshakyan noted that Armenia strives to expand participation in multilateral cooperation regional structures. From this point of view, the need for qualitative development of cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Organization was highlighted.
The Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and regional developments, as well as the agreements reached on demarcation and delimitation based on the Alma-Ata declaration were presented at the meeting,.
“Our region needs long-term peace. The peace agenda has no alternative in our region. Respecting the principles of international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty are an important basis for its approval,” the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said.
Speaking about the need to establish long-term peace in our region, he noted that China respects Armenia’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, as well as the right to make independent decisions in foreign relations.
Shokrat Zakir expressed condolences regarding the recent natural disaster in Lori and Tavush marzes of Armenia and expressed China’s support in the restoration of the disaster area.
The Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China emphasized the development of friendly relations between China and Armenia, noting that additional efforts will be made to further develop the existing relations.
RA NA Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm reception, emphasizing the friendly ties between the two countries, cultural and spiritual values, the need to expand cooperation between the states in all areas of mutual interest.
