Armenia interested in deepening ties with China-pres.

YEREVAN, February 18 (Itar-Tass) -- Armenia is interested in deepening
relations with China, President Serzh Sargsyan of the republic said
receiving Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi here on Thursday.
Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the leadership and people of China for
assistance rendered to Armenia after the proclamation of its independence,
the presidential press service reported.
"We are also interested in further expanding China's participation in
our regional economic processes," the Armenian president said.
"Armenia is a friendly and reliable partner for China," the Chinese
foreign minister said for his part. According to him, the development of
relations with Armenia and assistance to it is one of the priority tasks
of China's foreign policy. The Chinese side is ready to continue rendering
assistance to the development of Armenia's economy and cooperate in
different spheres where it can see wide prospects and a great potential.
According to the minister, stands of China and Armenia on a number of
international and regional problems coincide. The countries also
fruitfully cooperate in international organizations.
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