China and Armenia are willing to expand exchanges in various fields to promote comprehensive development of cooperation, according to the Sino-Armenian joint statement issued in Beijing Monday.
The statement, signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and visiting Armenian President Robert Sedrakovich Kocharyan, says both sides speak highly of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural and other areas since the forging of diplomatic ties in 1992.
Both sides are satisfied with the smooth development of relations, and will continue to carry out high-level exchanges, says the statement.
The two sides encourage and support cooperation between their businesses to enhance the dimensions of their economic and trade cooperation, it says.
The two sides agree that the challenges for developing countries created by economic globalization should arouse people's attention, and international society should take active measures to direct the development of economic globalization towards common prosperity.
Armenia recognizes China's full market economy status, which is conducive to enhancing economic and trade ties between China and Armenia, and both sides attach great importance on developing inter-parliamentary friendly ties between the two countries, it says.
Both sides share great potential in exchanges and cooperation in such fields as science, technology, culture, education, agriculture, journalism and sports, and will encourage regional and civil institutes to make direct exchanges, says the statement.
Armenia reaffirms that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Armenia will not establish any official contact with Taiwan, and opposes "Taiwan Independence" in any form, says the statement, which notes that China appreciates Armenia's stance.
China supports the efforts of the international community to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue peacefully, and hopes that the conflict can be settled in a just and reasonable way in line with relevant international principles and norms, it says.
Both sides support the dialogue and cooperation made in international human rights and oppose double standards on the human rights or the politicalization of the issue, says the statement.
Both sides agree that the United Nations plays an important role in safeguarding world peace and security, and the principles of the UN Charter are still the basic rule for solving international affairs, says the statement, noting that the two sides are willing to promote cooperation in some major international affairs to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
The maintenance and development of friendly cooperation between China and Armenia is not directed against any third country, and will not harm its interests, the statement says.
Kocharyan was here for a five-day state visit.
Chinese-Armenian Relations to Enter New Stage: Hu
China is ready to make joint efforts with Armenia to raise bilateral relations to a new level, said Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing 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 the two 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. The two 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 to recognize 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 issues with 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.
(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2004)
