Republican Party of Armenia

 As part of his working visit to the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with his Chinese counterpart Li Kequang in Dalian city. Welcoming the guest, the Chinese Premier thanked Armenia for taking part in the World Economic Forum in Dalian. “Our latest meeting was on the sidelines of the Shanghai Expo, and I am happy to see you back to China,” the head of Chinese government noted.

Thankful for reception, the Armenian Prime Minister first spoke about bilateral relations: “The development of relations with China is a priority to us, and I am sure that our ties will go on furthering ahead. First of all, I wish to thank China for its balanced approach to the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. I am also glad that exchanges have been deepening in all areas over the past few years. In this respect, we appreciate the operations of the Confucius Center in Armenia and would like it to open field offices in the regions as well. Likewise important is the scheduled opening of a Chinese school in Armenia. We are grateful to your government for allowing grater number of Armenian students into the Chinese universities, as well as for the assistance received in the form of buses, emergency vehicles and other equipment.”

In turn, the Chinese Premier said, “I know that the Armenian people and you personally are appreciative of Chinese culture. Therefore, we wish to increase the number of Armenian students in Chinese universities, as well as to expand the activities of the Confucius Center. We stand ready to promote outbound tourism toward Armenia so that our citizens could travel to Armenia and get familiar with your country. Efforts will be made to step up Chinese investments. We are also ready to introduce a variety of Armenian products in the Chinese market. In addition, we would welcome the entry of the Armenian brandy, jewelry and precious stones into the Chinese market. Armenia and China are friendly countries, and we are very happy to see you here in attendance of the World Economic Forum - the so-called summer Davos.

Given the fact that as a token of friendly ties between our two countries, we have decided to provide the Government of Armenia with additional assistance of hundred million yuan (about ISD 16 million) for the implementation of joint projects (note that the PRC government has already extended about 11 million dollar-worth of technical assistance for 2013. The bulk of this sum went toward the construction of the Chinese advanced teaching school in Armenia, with the balance used to get a customs inspection portable device (scanner). As to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, China's position is that the parties should seek a negotiated settlement in a restrained manner so that a lasting peace is established in the region.”

Tigran Sargsyan expressed gratitude for support and cooperation and noticed that unlike the political interaction, economic ties are lagging slightly behind and some effort has to be made to that effect.

Eager to see more tourists coming from China to Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the Armenian Ministry of Economy and the Chinese Travel Agency. In this context, he made a point of establishing direct air communications between the two countries.

Highlighting the importance of having the world-famous Armenian brandy marketed in China, Tigran Sargsyan stated in part, “Armenian companies are stepping up the output of wine and brandy. We are producing tobacco and would appreciate your support in getting them exported to China. In terms of economic exchanges, I wish to highlight the document due for signing later today. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to advise you that a free economic zone is up in Armenia and we are inviting Chinese high-tech companies to get involved in the zone.”

Pleased with the steady increase in the number of joint projects, the parties singled out Nairit-Shanxi as the most important among them.

Touching on Armenia’s recent decision to join the Customs Union, Tigran Sargsyan expressed our country’s interest in getting an observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and asked for China’s assistance in this matter.

Li Keqiang said his country understands Armenia’s desire to be active part of regional cooperation as China itself is set to maintain active relationship with the Customs Union. The Chinese Premier said they would ask their partners from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to discuss the possibility of giving Armenia an observer status: “In conclusion, Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to note that while scheduled to meet with the representatives of a number of States, it is with you that I am having today’s first meeting and, besides, Armenia is the only country with which we are going to sign a umber of documents.”

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Attended by the Prime Ministers of Armenia and China, the following documents were signed between the two countries:

- Intergovernmental agreement on trade and economic cooperation (signed by Minister-Chief of Government Staff Vache Gabrielyan for the Government of the Republic of Armenia)

- Intergovernmental agreement on technical cooperation (signed by Minister-Chief of Government Staff Vache Gabrielyan for the Government of the Republic of Armenia)

- Memorandum between the Republic of Armenia and the People’s Republic of China on mutual understanding in the management of emergency situations (signed by Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Yeritsyan on behalf of the Republic of Armenia).