The defense ministers of Armenia and China met in Beijing on Thursday and discussed expanding cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector.
In a statement, Armenia’s Defense Minister Suren Babikyan said that during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, they strengthened the two countries’ defense cooperation.
“We underscored that during the recent years the military cooperation recorded significant progress and encompassed new directions,” explained Papikyan.
“We expressed readiness to further develop Armenia-China cooperation, including the high-ranking contacts between the armed forces of the two countries. Several issues concerning international and regional security were also discussed,” Armenia’s defense minister added.
Armenia and China have been steadily working toward closer cooperation in various sectors.
Last week, the first direct flight between the northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi to Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport was launched, with both countries’ officials hailing it a “historic event.”
At an official ceremony marking the launch of the direct flights on September 3, Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Gnel Sanosyan, emphasized the importance of this development in strengthening bilateral ties.
“The establishment of direct flights has been a long process. Significant efforts have been made to bring this to fruition. We hope that this air service will perform well, as there is strong demand, and it will make life easier for many people by shortening travel time between Armenia and China,” said Sanosyan.
China’s Charge d’Affaires to Armenia, Cheng Ming, highlighted the economic significance of the new route.
“In the first half of 2024, trade between Armenia and China increased by over 40 percent, reaching $1.4 billion. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Armenia also grew [in the same timeframe] by 110 percent to 11,500 people. The launching of direct flights links two continents, creating new opportunities for cultural, economic, and humanitarian exchange,” Cheng said.
Initially, flights will operate twice a week.
