Chinese-Armenian relations to enter new stage: Hu
Xinhua, China
Sept 27 2004
2004-09-27 23:32:12
BEIJING, Sept. 27 (Xinhuanet) — China is ready to make joint efforts
with Armenia to raise bilateral relations to a new level, said Chinese
President Hu Jintao here Monday.
Hu made the remark in talks with visiting Armenian President Robert
Sedrakovich Kocharyan, who is on his first state visit to China
as president.
Hu vowed to increase political trust, saying China and Armenia should
carry out multi-channel and multi-layer exchanges, keep up political
and diplomatic consultations and strengthen communication in such
international organizations as the United Nations.
The two countries should find new ways to expand trade by taking
advantage of their trade cooperation committee, said Hu, adding
that China encourages Chinese companies to step up cooperation with
Armenia and to increase their investment in Armenia’s infrastructural
construction.
Hu also advocated further exchanges and cooperation between thetwo
countries in the fields of culture, education, science and technology,
health and tourism.
Agreeing with the Chinese president, Kocharyan said Armenia
expects deepening bilateral relations with China, since the growing
relationship is of great significance to Armenia.
China has accumulated much experience in the process of developing
its market economy and practicing opening-up policy, which provides
a vital opportunity for trade cooperation, said Kocharyan.
Armenia recognizes China’s full market economy status, hoping the
two sides strengthen cooperation in such fields as energy, chemical
industry, agriculture and technology, said Kocharyan. Thetwo sides
could take proper measures to help the entrepreneurs enhance exchange
and understanding to expand cooperation.
Hu said China and Armenia have treated each other with mutual respect
and equality since they forged diplomatic ties 12 years ago.
Hu said he appreciated Armenia’s diplomatic policy that puts priority
on relations with China, one of the earliest countries torecognize
Armenia as an independent nation, and expressed thanks for Armenia’s
firm support in controversial areas such as Taiwan and Tibet.
Kocharyan said the two countries have seen sound economic development
and have taken similar stances on international issueswith no
political problems.
Kocharyan said Armenia would continue to adhere to “One-China Policy”
and support China’s reunification.
After the talks, the two heads of states signed a joint statement
and attended a signing ceremony for three cooperative agreements,
including an agreement on economic and technical cooperation.