Direct flights launched between Armenia, China

YEREVAN, September 4. /ARKA/. On September 3, a ceremonial event was held at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport to welcome the inaugural flight between Yerevan and the Chinese city of Urumqi.

The flight, operated by China Southern Airlines, marks the first direct connection between China and Armenia.

Chen Ming, the Chargé d'Affaires of China in Armenia, attended the ceremony and hailed the significance of the new route. "This first direct flight between China and Armenia represents a new chapter in the friendly relations between our two countries," he stated, emphasizing the deep-rooted and evolving friendship between the Chinese and Armenian people despite the geographical distance.

Chen highlighted the steady development of Sino-Armenian relations over the 32 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, noting the deepening political trust and flourishing cooperation in various fields. He also underscored Armenia's role as a key partner in the South Caucasus and its active participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

In the first half of 2024, trade between China and Armenia exceeded $1.4 billion, marking a more than 40% increase from the previous year. Additionally, around 11,500 Chinese tourists visited Armenia, a 110% rise compared to the previous year.

Chen pointed out that Urumqi, a major gateway to western China, offers connections to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, providing new opportunities for collaboration. He expressed hope that businesses from both countries would engage more actively in expanding markets and achieving new milestones in practical cooperation, thereby continuing to strengthen the friendship between China and Armenia.