China to Enhance Ties with Armenia: President Jiang

President Jiang Zemin Meets with Armenian Prime Minister

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President Jiang Zemin said Tuesday, December 5, that China is willing to work together with Armenia to further push forward the development of bilateral relations.

Jiang made the remark while meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markarian, who arrived in Beijing Monday, December 4, for a five-day working visit.

China will continue to support Armenia's efforts to safeguard national independence and sovereignty, Jiang said, noting that the Sino-Armenian relationship has entered a new stage since the two countries established formal diplomatic relationship in 1992.

On economic cooperation, the President said China and Armenia are mutually complementary, and the two countries will achieve satisfactory results through joint endeavors.

Sharing Jiang's comments, Markarian said comprehensive cooperation in politics, economy, education, science, technology and culture between Armenia and China conforms to the interests of both nations.

In developing relationships with foreign countries, Armenia gives priority to its political and economic ties with China, Markarian noted.

The Armenian Prime Minister reiterated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Jiang appreciated Armenia for its consistent "One China" stand on the Taiwan issue.

Premier Holds Talks with Andranik Markarian

Premier Zhu Rongji held talks with his Armenian counterpart, Andranik Markarian Monday, December 4, 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.

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.