(Translation)

The government of the People's Republic of China and the government of the Republic of Armenia issued a joint communiqué in Beijing on December 5, 2000. The full text is as follows:

At the invitation of Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markarian paid a working visit to the People's Republic of China from Dec. 4 to 8, 2000.

During the visit, President Jiang Zemin met with Markarian, and Premier Zhu held talks with Markarian. Leaders of the two countries had in-depth exchanges of views on how to strengthen Sino-Armenian relations and international and regional issues of common concern in an earnest, cordial and down-to-earth manner in the spirit of mutual respect. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the visit, and believed that the visit will promote the development of friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, the two countries signed an accord on educational cooperation between the education ministries of the two countries. In addition to Beijing, Markarian and his entourage will also visit Shanghai.

1. Both sides believe that profound changes are taking place in the world, reflecting the trend of diversity and the characteristics of economic globalization, strengthening inter-dependence of the interests of all countries. They reiterate that every country, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, has the right to determine its own destiny, and enjoys an equal right in the discussion and settlement of international issues.

2. Both sides believe that global political multi-polarity reflects the needs and trends of the times, is conducive to establishing a just and reasonable new international political and economic order, benefits world peace and stability, and conforms to the aspirations of the vast majority of countries and peoples.

3. They stress the importance of exchanging views on international and regional issues of common concern, and express the willingness to promote bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation. China and Armenia will work for the establishment of a just and reasonable new international political and economic order based on the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter and other widely recognized norms governing international relations.

4. Both sides speak highly of the fruitful cooperation between the two countries in political, economic, trade, scientific, technological, cultural and other areas since the forging of diplomatic ties on April 6, 1992.

5. The two sides agree that the continued growth of friendly relations of cooperation between the two countries, based on the principles set forth in a joint communiqué on the foundation of friendly bilateral relations on May 5, 1996, is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

6. The two sides will maintain contacts at all levels, especially among senior officials, and will expand friendly cooperation in all fields, so as to promote Sino-Armenian relations to a new level.

7. Both sides agree that the two countries have good prospects in economic and trade cooperation, and are ready to further the cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. They will support and encourage relevant departments, enterprises and localities of the two countries to conduct direct exchanges and cooperation, and give full play to the role of the China-Armenia mixed committee on economy and trade in the two countries' economic and trade cooperation.

8. The two sides will expand and provide necessary conditions for bilateral cooperation in science, culture, education, public health, press, sports and others.

9. Armenia reaffirmed its adherence to its One-China stand, and recognizes that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Armenia will not establish any official contact with Taiwan.
China supports Armenia's efforts to safeguard national independence and develop its economy, and wishes to see Armenia maintain political stability and economic growth.
Armenia reiterates its wish to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh issue through peaceful negotiations. China supports the meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the efforts by the international community to settle this issue peacefully, and hopes that the conflict can be settled in a just and reasonable way within the current framework for negotiation and in line with relevant international principles and norms.

10. The maintenance and development of friendly cooperation between China and Armenia is not directed against any third country, and will not harm its interests.

Markarian thanked the Chinese side for its warm reception and invited Premier Zhu Rongji to visit Armenia at his convenience, which Premier Zhu accepted with pleasure.


Dec. 6, 2000