Top Chinese, Armenian diplomats hold talks in Beijing

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held talks with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan in Beijing, with the two sides agreeing to strengthen bilateral ties.

Wang said China and Armenia “have always respected and trusted each other, and maintained the momentum of development of bilateral cooperation,” according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“China is willing to work with Armenia to inherit friendship, consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, help the development and revitalization of the two countries, and create more benefits for the people of the two countries,” Wang Yi added.

He emphasized China’s commitment to multilateralism, upholding the UN-centered international system, and advancing key global initiatives to build a shared future.

The Chinese top diplomat said Beijing supports sovereignty and development path of Armenia, and appreciates support for the one-China principle.

Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia’s support for the one-China policy and expressed readiness to boost cooperation in trade, connectivity, and global affairs, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership.

The two sides also discussed deepening cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization framework and shared views on the Israel-Iran conflict.

Mirzoyan is on four-day official visit to China until Friday.

China and Armenia established diplomatic ties in April 1992. With a bilateral trade volume of $2.13 billion, China is one of Armenia's top 10 trading partners.