Summing up the two-day Beijing meetings the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia answered the journalists’ questions:

“Mr Abrahamyan, how do you assess your meetings with the representatives of the parliament and government of China?”

“The Beijing discussions began with the meeting of Mr Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, which I highlight very much. After the meeting for the first time a  memorandum on cooperation was signed, which includes all clauses of the relations of two countries. I am sure that after signing the memorandum close cooperation between the Speakers of the parliament, committees, parliamentary friendship groups and staffs will be established. We agreed that in 2009 Mr Wu Bangguo would visit Armenia, his visit had been canceled because of the earthquake in China. We also met with the Deputy Chairman of the parliament of China, discussed the situation and possibilities of economic cooperation, recorded that the existing potential in two countries is not completely used, and the intergovernmental committees should work more active. We asked his support that one billion U.S. dollar credit would be allocated to Armenia for coming out of the financial-economic crisis. Today I felt that support during the meeting with the Deputy Chairman, and the issue had already been discussed with the Chairman and the Government. He promised that an assignment would be given to the relevant structures, and they would be engaged with that issue. We highlight the reciprocal visit of the Chairman of the Parliament of China to Armenia, and discussions on cooperation will be held in the sphere of foreign policy. There are resources for the development of political and economic cooperation. I am sure that in 2009 Mr Wu Bangguo’s visit to Armenia will promote the development of that cooperation.”

“In 2009 the inter-governmental committee sitting is also envisaged. Has anybody touched upon that issue?”

“In the first quarter of 2009 the inter-governmental committee sitting is envisaged, which will more activate the cooperation in the spheres of economy, which are incomplete by now. In other spheres, chemical, industry, science and culture, activation is noticed. This year the RA Deputy Prime Minister visited China to take part in the economic exhibition, which was also highlighted. In my opinion there are still many spheres, where we can activate the cooperation. China is a very important country for us, and one of the powerful countries of the world. During the meeting the wish of the President of the Parliament, the Vice President, the first Deputy Prime Minister to activate the relations with Armenia was felt. Our visit was effective and will be effective, if we keep all the agreements. I believe that we should draw great attention to the Armenian-Chinese relations in order to provide their mutual development.”

“Was the issue of China’s participation to the construction of Iran-Armenia railway discussed during the meeting?”

“Yes, before our meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister the Deputy Foreign Ministers of the Republic of Armenia and the People’s Republic of China met each other. The Deputy Minister said that relevant assignment would be to the construction organizations, which in case of wish can take part in the contest. The construction of the railway is of economic and political significance, which will also promote China to take part in the project.”

“Were there any discussions on operation of Shansy-Nairit joint enterprise?’

“Yes, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the operation of the joint venture was moved to the first quarter of 2009 due to objective reasons, I am sure that during that period the enterprise will work.”

“Tomorrow the delegation will leave for Hainan province. By what is conditioned the choice of that province?”

“The proposal was from Chinese side. There is a big car enterprise that produces annually nine million cars. The delegation will visit Haima car factory, and if there are relevant proposals, we’ll pass to the Armenian Government. The center of the province Haikou is a big city, where, as the Deputy Prime Minister said during the last fifteen years the tourism especially developed. We’ll meet the authorities of the province, and if there are proposals, we’ll pass to the Government of the Republic of Armenia.”

“What impressions did you have from the Beijing meetings?”

“In Beijing we ended the official meetings, and we can already say that all the meetings were held in very warm atmosphere, the human warmth was felt, for which I am grateful to the Government and people of China.”