Armenia is a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the basic principles, fundamental principles of the organization are very important for Armenia. This was stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

“Let's remember some of them—it's territorial integrity, it's inviolability of the borders, it's non-use of force.

This is completely what Armenia builds its foreign policy these days. So the principles are very important for us. But also, in addition, we see that several other agendas are being promoted within and in frames of the organization, like you mentioned a couple of them, like AI, digital economy, green transition, climate issues.

So, these topics are important for us too. Let's remember only one fact, I think it is quite indicative. One of the main parts, I would say, the major part of the trade between Armenia and China is green technologies.

So again, in addition, when we speak a little bit larger about climate issues, biodiversity, climate issues are also very important for Armenia. Next year, we're going to host the COP17 on biodiversity and we're very much looking forward to this important for us event and cooperation with China in this context as well. So I'm saying this to show that our interest in cooperation or in the activities of the Republic of Armenia in the frames of this organization are important for us.

Moreover, we decided to enlarge, to increase our participation in this organization. And by the way, this was one of the topics discussed between Armenian and Chinese delegations during our discussions, our negotiations. So we expressed a clear position about our aspiration to increase our role in this organization. And hopefully this aspiration will be welcomed by the member states,” Mirzoyan added.

And reflecting on Armenia-China cultural ties in general, the Armenian FM said: “Cultural exchanges are very important for increasing and growing the people-to-people ties.

And I should note with satisfaction that there is growing interest in both societies, in Armenia, towards Mandarin, towards Chinese culture. And also we see the growing interest here in China towards Armenian culture. If we look at the history, if we dig deeper in history, we would see that there has always been a good interaction between Chinese and Armenian civilizations.

So, there have always been strong cultural ties. But we are all glad  to see that these days this interest in Armenia and China is only growing. And again, I would like to bring one example.

There is a school in Armenia which teaches Mandarin. And there is a long queue, the parents do want and express a wish to send their kids to study at this school. So this is quite an indicative example, I see. And also the popularity of Khachaturian and Armenian music in China. These are only examples to show the general trend.”