Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the SCO+ format meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, where he delivered a wide-ranging speech focused on peace, connectivity, and multilateral cooperation.

Expressing gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation, Pashinyan called the SCO Summit “a platform for dialogue, trust, and cooperation” and highlighted the significance of recent developments in Armenia’s foreign policy. He underscored the historic August 8 Declaration of Peace, adopted with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Washington under U.S. mediation, which he described as “a turning point” for regional stability.

“Peace has been established between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Pashinyan stated, noting that discussions are underway on opening transport communications between the two countries based on principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction. He stressed the mutual benefits of such connectivity and referred to the U.S.-backed Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), an investment initiative stemming from Armenia’s Crossroads of Peace project. “We are determined to implement these agreements as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the resulting logistical opportunities will benefit SCO member states as well.

Pashinyan also announced the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Pakistan, formalized through a joint communiqué signed by the two countries’ foreign ministers during the summit.

Addressing the summit’s theme of sustainable development, Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to global environmental goals and its upcoming role as host of COP17 in 2026, pledging to advance biodiversity protection efforts. He welcomed President Xi’s Global Governance Initiative, emphasizing Armenia’s support for a multipolar system grounded in the UN Charter.

He further hailed the upgrade of Armenia–China relations to the level of strategic partnership, formalized through a joint statement with President Xi Jinping, calling it “historic” and a foundation for future cooperation.

During his working visit to Beijing, Pashinyan met with Qin Lijun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to explore new avenues for economic cooperation. Pashinyan noted that Armenia’s recent membership in the AIIB creates significant opportunities for implementing large-scale investment programs, particularly in infrastructure. Both sides agreed that closer collaboration will accelerate projects in key sectors such as transport, energy, and communication.

Highlighting strategic priorities, he presented the Academic City project as a potential area for AIIB involvement, emphasizing its role in advancing education and innovation in Armenia. For his part, Qin Lijun expressed the bank’s readiness to support Armenia’s economic development, focusing on initiatives that enhance scientific and educational infrastructure while fostering regional connectivity.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue joint efforts toward developing and implementing concrete investment projects aimed at boosting Armenia’s long-term growth and strengthening its integration into regional economic networks.

On the sidelines of the summit, Pashinyan also met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss the ongoing peace agenda. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and highlighted the positive momentum from the Washington agreements.