According to a joint communique issued by the governments of the two countries Tuesday, the two sides agreed that the continued growth of friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries, based on the principles set forth in a joint communique on the foundation of friendly bilateral relations on May 5, 1996, is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

Both sides believe that a profound change is taking place in the world, reflecting the trend of diversity and the characteristics of economic globalization, strengthening inter-dependence of the interests of all countries.

They reiterate that every country, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, has the right to determine its own destiny, and enjoys an equal right in the discussion and settlement of international issues.

Both sides believe that global political multi-polarity reflects the needs and trends of the times, is conducive to establishing a just and reasonable new international political and economic order, benefits world peace and stability, and conforms to the aspirations of the vast majority of countries and peoples.

They stress the importance of exchanging views on international and regional issues of common concern, and expressed the willingness to promote bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation.

China and Armenia will work for the establishment of a just and reasonable new international political and economic order based on the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter and other widely recognized norms governing international relations, the communique 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 on April 6, 1992.

Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markarian is in China for a five-day working visit at the invitation of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji.

During the visit, Chinese President Jiang Zemin met with Markarian, and Premier Zhu held talks with Markarian. Leaders of the two countries had in-depth exchanges of views on how to strengthen Sino-Armenian relations and international and regional issues of common concern in an earnest, cordial and down-to-earth manner in the spirit of mutual respect.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the visit, and believed that the visit will promote the development of friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries, according to the communique.

During the visit, the two countries signed an accord on educational cooperation. In addition to Beijing, Markarian will travel to Shanghai.

The two sides will maintain contact at all levels, especially among senior officials, and will expand friendly cooperation in all fields, so as to promote Sino-Armenian relations to a new level, the communique says.

Both sides agreed that the two countries have good prospects in economic and trade cooperation, and are ready to further the cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. They will support and encourage relevant departments, enterprises and localities of the two countries to conduct direct exchanges and cooperation, and give full play to the role of the China-Armenia mixed committee on economic and trade in the two countries' economic and trade cooperation, the communique says.

The two sides will expand bilateral cooperation in science, culture, education, public health, press, and sports, according to the communique.

Armenia reaffirmed its adherence to its One-China stand, and recognizes that the People's Republic of China (PRC) 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, the communique says.

China supports Armenia's efforts to safeguard national independence and develop economy, and wishes to see Armenia maintains political stability and economic growth.

Armenia reiterates its wish to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue through peaceful negotiations. China supports the meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the efforts by the international community to settle this issue peacefully, and hopes that the conflict could be settled in a just and reasonable way within the current framework for negotiation and in line with relevant international principles and norms, according to the communique.

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 communique says.

Markarian invited Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji to visit Armenia at his convenience, and Premier Zhu accepted the invitation, according to the communique.

(Xinhua 12/05/2000)