President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping has conveyed a congratulatory message to President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day. The message reads as follows:

“Dear Mr. President,

On the occasion of Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, on behalf of the government and people of China and myself, I cordially congratulate you and convey my wishes to the friendly Armenian people.

Currently, the friendly Chinese-Armenian relations are growing dynamically. The two countries have close, high-level contacts, the mutual political trust is growing stronger, and the multilateral cooperation over joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative is proceeding. I attach great importance to the development of Chinese-Armenian relations and am willing to ensure the mutually beneficial and ongoing deepening of the bilateral ties for the welfare of the peoples of our countries through combined efforts.

I wish your country prosperity, and I wish the Armenian people happiness and welfare.”