YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan received a delegation led by Chinese vice Commerce Minister Qian Keming.

As “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the high level of the Armenian-Chinese relations and the willingness of the parties to broaden and deepen ties as evidenced by the mutual visits of high-ranking officials in recent years.

Hovik Abrahamyan said China is a friendly country and an important partner for Armenia. Bilateral trade and economic relations have been on the upgrade, and trade turnover has significantly increased in recent years. In this context, the Premier noted the importance of the Armenian-Chinese intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, the regular 9th meeting of which was held on August 22 in Yerevan (Qian Keming is the Chinese co-chair of the Armenian-Chinese intergovernmental commission).

Qian Keming conveyed warm greetings on behalf of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, noting that China and Armenia are not only good friends, but also reliable partners, and the ongoing sustained political dialogue will help bolster bilateral cooperation. He also pointed out that the Armenian-Chinese trade and economic relations have great development potential.

The Chinese vice minister briefed Hovik Abrahamyan on the outcome of the 9th session of the Armenian-Chinese intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation, noting that the meeting had outlined steps for implementation of the agreements reached between the top leaders of both countries.

Pleased with the pace of joint programs implemented in road construction, agriculture, tourism, education and other areas, the two sides took the opportunity to discuss a number of initiatives in mining industry, power engineering, food industry, transport infrastructure of regional importance.

Coming to the possibility of interaction in the framework of the EAEU, Qian Keming highlighted Armenia’s role in the development of cooperation between China and the EAEU. In turn, Hovik Abrahamyan said Armenia welcomes and stands ready to promote the process. As the Prime Minister said, China is an important partner of Armenia, and the Armenian Government attaches great importance to China’s large-scale investment in the economy of the Republic of Armenia.

In conclusion, Hovik Abrahamyan asked Qian Keming to convey warm greetings to his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.