China and Armenia are ready to lift relations to a new level, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said Friday.

Xi said China attaches great importance to developing relations with Armenia. China regards Armenia as a good friend and good partner.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Friday afternoon.

Nalbandyan expressed his willingness to raise the level of bilateral links in an all-round way.

"China is ready to work with Armenia, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation and lift relations between the two countries to a new level," Xi said.

Xi said China highly appreciated Armenia's support for China on issues concerning China's core interests and its adherence to the one- China policy. He also thanked Nalbandyan for his active effort to advance China-Armenia relations since becoming foreign minister.

Bilateral relations had witnessed healthy and steady growth since the two countries established diplomatic ties 17 years ago. Leaders of the two countries had maintained close contact. The two sides had also expanded cooperation in economy, trade, education, culture, tourism and sports, he said.

China and Armenia supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and conducted good communication in the multilateral arena such as the United Nations, he said.

Nalbandyan said Armenia gave top priority to its relations with China. It will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy and support the peaceful reunification of China.

He called for expansion of cooperation with China in various fields, such as politics, economy, trade, transport and culture.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2009)