On April 15 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian arrived in Beijing. On the same day the meeting of Minister Nalbandian with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yii was held.

Welcoming the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Foreign Minister of China emphasized that over the recent years the Armenian-Chinese friendly relations developed effectively through joint efforts. He emphasized that the high-level mutual visits have their important input in the deepening and expansion of cooperation in different areas.

During the meeting the Ministers discussed the process of implementation of agreements reached during the last year’s state visit of the President of Armenia to China with the leadership of China. Thoughts were exchanged on the preparatory works of the scheduled high-level visits.

The FMs reflected on a wide range of issues on bilateral agenda. The Ministers commended the comprehensive legal framework between Armenia and China, the positive experience over the years, which create firm ground for the further facilitation of the cooperation.

Edward Nalbandian and Wang Yii exchanged thoughts on ways to expand trade and economic ties. In this regard, the sides attached importance to the involvement of Chinese enterprises in industrial and infrastructure projects in Armenia. In this context, the Ministers touched upon the project of Silk Road Economic Belt, North-South transport corridor of Armenia, Armenia-Iran railroad. The sides discussed issues on the development of cooperation between the members of the Eurasian Economic Union and China.

FMs of Armenia and China reflected on the cooperation within Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. In this context, Wang Yii welcomed the Memorandum on granting Armenia the status of dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, signed during Edward Nalbandian’s visit.

Importance was attached to the tightening of cooperation within international organization, holding of regular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs. In this context, the Foreign Minister of China highlighted, that Armenia’s active diplomacy and participation in international arena is apparent and appreciated.

Edward Nalbandian expressed gratitude to the continuous assistance to Armenia rendered by China since the independence.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia presented to his counterpart the situation unfolded in the result of large-scale military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia’s stance on the settlement of the issue, stressing that it is in line with the joint stance of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the only internationally mandated mediation format. Wang Yii reassured China’s support for exclusively peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh through negotiations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reassured Armenia’s stance on One-China. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of China mentioned, that his country highly appreciates Armenia’s principled stance.

The Ministers reflected on the developments unfolded in the Middle East, attached significance to the joint efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism.

Accepting Edward Nalbandian’s invitation to visit Armenia, Wang Yii stressed, that he would be pleased to visit Yerevan.