China, Armenia Vow to Strengthen Ties

Li Peng Meets Armenian Speaker

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China has always valued the friendly ties with Armenia, pledging to further promote this relationship, top legislator Li Peng said Monday.

In a meeting with speaker Armen Khachatryan of Armenia's National Assembly, the chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee said China is willing to expand cooperation with Armenia on the basis of mutual respect and benefit, as well as on an equal footing.

The past nine years of Sino-Armenian diplomatic ties have witnessed a smooth development of bilateral relations amidst frequent exchanges of high-level contacts, Li said, referring to the bilateral cooperation carried out in the trade, science, technology, culture, education and public health sectors.

Li stressed that the NPC attaches great importance to developing ties with Armenia's National Assembly, and that the exchanges and cooperation between the two parliaments have become "an important part of Sino-Armenian relations".

Li said the two countries can enhance exchanges at various levels and in diverse forms, believing that Khachatryan's ongoing visit will play an active role in further promoting the bilateral ties.

China appreciates Armenia's adherence to the "one-China" principle as well as its stance not to establish official relations or contact with Taiwan, Li said.

During the meeting, he also briefed the guests on China's reform, opening up, economic development as well as China's views on the current international situation.

Khachatryan said the Armenian people have a deep-rooted friendship with the Chinese, and the Armenian leaders highly value the friendly cooperative relations with China.

He hoped the close contacts between the two parliaments will help promote the overall development of bilateral ties in the new century.

Buhe, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee was present at the meeting.

Khachatryan arrived in Beijing earlier Monday for a week-long visit to China as Li's guest. Besides Beijing, Khachatryan will also visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen in south China.