China, Armenian for Closer TiesChinese Premier Zhu Rongji held talks December 4 in Beijing with his Armenian counterpart, Andranik Markarian, and the two leaders expressed the hope to strengthen bilateral cooperation.During the talks, Zhu said Armenia is strong in scientific research and industry, while China's economy is large in scale with many different sectors. "Therefore, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has a broad prospect," the Chinese Premier said, adding that the two countries should also enhance exchanges in science, culture, education, health care, sports and tourism. Markarian arrived in China on Monday morning for a five-day working visit. This is Markarian's first visit to China after he came into office as Armenian Prime Minister in May this year. Echoing Zhu's remarks, Markarian said that the two countries have good prospects for strengthening ties in economy, trade, agriculture, education and culture. Markarian reiterated that Armenia adheres to the "one-China" principle, saying that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Zhu said China appreciates the fact that Armenia has adhered to the "one-China" principle and has never developed any official relationship with Taiwan. He said China supports Armenia's independence and sovereignty and its efforts to maintain social stability and develop the economy. Zhu said the Sino-Armenian relationship has been developing smoothly since the two countries established diplomatic relationship in 1992. The exchange of high-level visits in recent years has enhanced mutual understanding and promoted friendship between the two countries, he added. Zhu said Chinese President Jiang Zemin and the then Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan issued in May 1996 a joint communique, which defined the basis of bilateral friendly relations. The communique laid a sound foundation for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in various areas, Zhu noted. He said the two countries have also supported and worked together in international organizations. After the talks, the two countries' education ministries signed an agreement on educational cooperation. |
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