Arshakyan: Relations with China are Among the Key Foreign Policy Priorities

Led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Hakob Arshakyan, a delegation is currently on an official visit to Beijing at the invitation of Lou Qinquan, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China and the head of the China-Armenia Friendship Group.

The delegation includes members of the Civil Contract faction of the Armenian National Assembly: Andranik Kocharyan, Lena Nazaryan, Taguhi Ghazaryan, Hayk Tsirunyan, and Gegham Nazaryan from the Armenia faction.

On June 19, the delegation met with Shohrat Zakir, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. Arshakyan stated that the Republic of Armenia considers relations with China as one of the important priorities of its foreign policy, included in the Government’s Program for 2021-2026.

The Deputy Speaker noted that Armenian-Chinese trade and economic cooperation is developing at a rapid pace. Discussions included matters related to the effectiveness of cooperation in road construction, energy, and the development of high technologies.

He welcomed China’s active involvement in the development of the South Caucasus, which has a positive impact on the stability and security of the region. He emphasized that Armenia remains committed to the 'One China' policy.

It was noted that Chinese companies are interested in participating in important infrastructure projects that are crucial for the development of Armenia’s economy, including in both international competitive and investment programs. Chinese companies are actively involved in major projects in Armenia, such as the North-South Highway and the Kapsh Reservoir construction.

The Deputy Speaker stated that the North-South Highway is vital for Armenia and is part of the Government's proposed concept of the 'Crossroad of Peace'. The importance of the 'Crossroad of Peace' as well as the 'One Belt, One Road' initiatives was mutually emphasized, with shared points highlighted.

Hakob Arshakyan mentioned that Armenia aims to expand its participation in regional structures of multilateral cooperation. In this regard, the necessity for qualitative development of cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was outlined.

The meeting addressed the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and regional developments, including the agreements reached on delimitation and demarcation based on the Alma-Ata Declaration.

“Our region needs long-term peace. The peace agenda has no alternative in our region. Respect for international law, territorial integrity, and the principles of sovereignty are key foundations for establishing it,” stated the Deputy Speaker.

Discussing the necessity for long-term peace in the region, he mentioned that China respects Armenia's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence, as well as the right to make independent decisions in foreign relations.

Shohrat Zakir expressed condolences regarding the recent natural disaster in the Lori and Tavush regions of Armenia and conveyed China’s support in the recovery of the disaster-stricken area. The Deputy Chairman of the National People's Congress emphasized the development of friendly relations between China and Armenia, stating that additional efforts will be made to further enhance the existing relations.

The Deputy Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly expressed gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome, highlighting the friendly ties between the two countries, cultural and spiritual values, and the necessity to expand cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.