Xi, leaders engage in high-level talks

China, Armenia build strategic partnership

President Xi Jinping and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Sunday the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries as they met in Tianjin.

During the meeting, the two countries also signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in various fields, including market regulation and media.

Xi said that China supports Armenia in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and would like to work with the country to practice true multilateralism and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Armenia is currently a dialogue partner of the SCO.

Xi noted that since the establishment of China-Armenia diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the two countries have respected and trusted each other and benefited and learned from each other, leading to the sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral ties.

Calling the establishment of their strategic partnership an important milestone in the history of China-Armenia relations, Xi said the two countries should firmly support each other and deepen cooperation in various fields to strive for continuous progress in bilateral relations from a new starting point.

While emphasizing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, Xi called on the two countries to strengthen connectivity and promote exchanges in areas such as education, science and technology, culture and tourism.

Pashinyan said that Armenia is willing to learn from China's development experience to boost its own economic and social development.

While reaffirming Armenia's commitment to the one-China principle, Pashinyan said his country expects to expand economic and trade cooperation with China, maintain close coordination in international and regional affairs, and further advance bilateral ties.

ZHOU JIN