The Armenian side has submitted an application for membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and China, as the country holding the SCO chairmanship this year, is actively promoting the advancement of this process, said Chinese ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei.

The statement was made during a reception dedicated to the 98th anniversary of the Chinese army.

"China and Armenia are ancient civilizations, whose peoples sincerely strive for peace. Over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our countries have always maintained a stable dynamics of development of bilateral cooperation. The sides respect each other's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, provide mutual support on matters related to core interests," the Chinese diplomat noted.

According to the ambassador, high-level contacts and dialogue at all levels between Armenia and China have been significantly intensified in recent years.

“[Chinese] President Xi Jinping and [Armenian] Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have had friendly meetings within the framework of the BRICS summit and the May 9 ceremony. Most recently, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited China and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which the parties discussed bilateral and multilateral cooperation in detail. The Chinese side is ready to continue the traditions of friendship together with Armenian partners, strengthen mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, contribute to the further development of bilateral relations, as well as contribute to the prosperity of our countries and the strengthening of peace and stability in the region,” added the Chinese ambassador to Armenia.