The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the opening speech of the ministers at the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: "I am pleased to meet with the Foreign Minister. This is your first official visit to China, and I warmly welcome you. Since your appointment, you have actively supported and promoted the development of relations between China and Armenia, which we highly appreciate.

China and Armenia are ancient civilizations with rich histories and deep cultural foundations. Our ties date back to ancient times, and the ancient Silk Road testifies to the friendship and cooperation between our peoples. Regardless of changes in the international and regional environment, we have always maintained mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, which has made our relations steadily develop.

Our cooperation in all areas has yielded positive results, especially after our countries became partners in the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. Thanks to this initiative, our cooperation, especially in the trade and economic sphere, continues to reach new heights. China has become one of Armenia's key trade partners. Last year our trade turnover increased significantly, and in the first four months of this year the growth amounted to 58 percent, which is a rare indicator among Chinese partners and speaks about the great potential for further development of our cooperation. Chinese investments in your country are also welcome.

I am pleased to meet with the Foreign Minister. This is your first official visit to China, and I warmly welcome you. Since your appointment, you have actively supported and promoted the development of relations between China and Armenia, which we highly appreciate.

A number of Chinese brands are widely distributed in Armenia, and well-known Armenian products enrich the daily lives of Chinese consumers. Our humanitarian ties are also deepening: direct flights between our countries are already in operation, and the visa-free travel policy continues to promote closer ties between our peoples.

We are ready to strengthen our friendship with Armenia, deepen trust and expand cooperation for the development of our two countries. I welcome you once again. Thank you," said the Chinese foreign minister. 

RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan: "Your Excellency, Minister Wang Yi, esteemed colleagues,

First of all, let me express my gratitude for your invitation and warm hospitality, which I have felt from the very moment of my arrival in China. This is my first official visit to China, and in general, my first visit to your country. And I am really impressed by the beautiful Chinese civilization. 

Mr. Minister, it is interesting that I arrived by Yerevan-Urumqi direct flight, which has been operating for several months already. I think this is a tangible example of deepening our ties, as well as a good opportunity for strengthening the ties between our peoples and businesses. 

You spoke about economic growth, trade volumes, figures. If I'm not mistaken, last year the trade turnover between our countries increased by 700 million dollars. And this is a good example of dynamics. But at the same time, I am sure that this is not all of our potential. And this visit and these talks are a good opportunity to explore new horizons, to see how we can strengthen and expand economic ties.

But more importantly, and this is, I think, a good opportunity to become clearer and more predictable partners for each other, to see how we can deepen the political dialog, which I think, if I may say so, is already quite mature, and how we can take our strategic relations to a new level."