The ceremonial welcome for the debut flight on the Urumqi-Yerevan-Urumqi route was held at Zvartnots Airport. Starting September 3, direct flights between Armenia and China will be launched on this route.

China’s Acting Chargé d'Affaires in Armenia, Chen Ming, in his speech, expressed enthusiasm for the first flight of China Southern Airlines from Urumqi to Yerevan. The flight from Yerevan to Urumqi will also take place later today.

"This is the first direct flight between China and Armenia, which marks a new chapter in the friendly relations between our two countries. Although China and Armenia are geographically distant, the traditional friendship between our peoples has deep roots and continues to grow. Over the 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Armenia relations have experienced healthy and stable development. Political mutual trust between our countries has deepened, and cooperation in various fields is developing. Armenia is an important partner for China in the South Caucasus and one of the first countries to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative," Chen Ming stated.

China’s Acting Chargé d'Affaires in Armenia noted that in the first half of 2024, the volume of bilateral trade between China and Armenia exceeded 1.4 billion US dollars, marking an increase of over 40% compared to the previous year.

The number of Chinese tourists arriving in Armenia reached approximately 11,500, which is a 110% increase from last year. In recent years, the two countries have also implemented a policy of mutual visa-free entry.

“Today, the opening of direct air communication creates an 'air bridge' that connects the two continents, opening up new opportunities for people-to-people interactions and expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, and tourism.

The launch of direct air communication between China and Armenia is a high-level manifestation of China’s open policy and reflects the sincere desire of both governments and peoples to deepen their traditional friendly relations. We invite all countries, including Armenia, to join China’s rapid development and share in its benefits,” Chen Ming said.

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1198948