Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Tuesday met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the Armenian leader has been invited to participate in the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations.

“Our two peoples represent ancient civilizations. Armenian manuscripts describe relations between the two peoples dating back to the 5th century. These ties were of commercial, humanitarian and political nature. Constructive and productive relations with China are very important for us,” Pashinyan told Xi.

Xi said China views the ongoing development of relations with Armenia in various areas as an important aspect of its foreign policy and highlighted the strong Armenian-Chinese cultural and historical bond.

“We know the Armenian people very well. We know the names of Aram Khachaturian, Artem Mikoyan, Hovhannes Tumanyan. We are united with the general goals of cooperation of civilizations. We are well aware of the key historical events of Armenia. We are confident that the tragic events which happened to the Armenian people will not occur in the future,” Xi said.

The Chinese leader said his country is ready to take part in the construction of the North-South highway and the implementation of other infrastructure projects. He also referenced the successful inclusion of Armenian products in various trade exhibitions in China, as well as their introduction in the Chinese market.

Xi expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will further develop in commercial, industrial, transport, cultural and humanitarian sectors, adding that China will also provide support to projects which will contribute to Armenia’s development and enhancing the quality of life for the Armenian people.

Highlighting the importance of advancing relations with China as a top priority for his government, Pashinyan said that official Yerevan was interested in implementing joint projects in transportation—specifically railway development—and information technologies.

Pashinyan briefed Xi on recent developments in Armenia as well as the Karabakh conflict, which both leaders said must be resolved peacefully.

Accompanying Pashinyan on his trip to China are Armenia’s Minister of Transportation, Communication and IT Hakob Arshakyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to China Sergey Manasaryan, his chief adviser, aide and spokesperson Arsen Gasparyan, Hrachya Tashchyan and Vladimir Karapetyan.