Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today received newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Armenia Fan Yong.

Congratulating the Chinese diplomat on the appointment, Nikol Pashinyan wished him fruitful work for the benefit of Armenian-Chinese relations. The Premier was pleased to recall his visit to China in 2019 and the impressive meetings held with the President and the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, which resulted in specific agreements that are being successfully implemented.

“Armenia and China boast extensive relations; Chinese business, culture and education are represented in our country in a tangible manner. We are prepared to expand the ongoing cooperation in the political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres,” Nikol Pashinyan said, noting that despite the hardships caused by the global pandemic, exports from Armenia to China increased in 2020, which testifies to the positive dynamics of bilateral trade turnover. The Premier thanked the Government of the People’s Republic of China for assisting the Republic of Armenia in the fight against COVID-19.

Thankful for the kind remarks, Ambassador Fan Yong said he was honored to complete a diplomatic mission in Armenia and assured that he would make every effort to further develop the Armenian-Chinese relations. He stressed that the two countries are bound by mutual trust and understanding, and the Chinese government is keen to build strong partnerships with Armenia.

The parties exchanged views on the situation in Artsakh following the war. The Prime Minister thanked China for its impartial position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, noting that the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status remains unresolved, and that Armenia is prepared to continue the negotiations in the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing format.

Coming to humanitarian issues, Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia prioritizes the repatriation of POWs and captives, as well as the protection of the Armenian historical, cultural and religious heritage in the territories under Azerbaijan’s control. Fan Yong said China supports the reinstatement of security, stability and peaceful cooperation in the region, and backs the efforts made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

The interlocutors discussed issues high on the bilateral agenda. In the context of developing economic ties, they dwelt on ways of increasing Chinese investments in Armenia, boosting trade turnover, implementing infrastructure programs, fostering tourist flows, and cooperating within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Both sides considered promising cooperation in high technologies, education and humanitarian affairs. The Armenian Prime Minister asked the Ambassador to introduce Chinese companies to those investment opportunities that might open up after unblocking the regional communications. The Chinese Ambassador assured that relevant information will be forwarded to China’s business circles. Fan Yong conveyed to Prime Minister Pashinyan an invitation to attend the Shanghai Expo - 2021 exhibition.