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Beijing Vice Mayor Leads Delegation to Yerevan for COP17
Yerevan, October 18 – Beijing Vice Mayor Wen Xian arrived in Yerevan today, heading a delegation for discussions within the framework of the COP17 conference. The visit aims to foster international cooperation on environmental protection, with a particular focus on water resource management and urban development.
The delegation was greeted at Yerevan Lake by Sirarpi Haykazyan, acting head of the Environmental Protection Department of Yerevan Municipality. The discussions immediately delved into critical issues concerning the lake, including water quality, the seismic stability of the reservoir, and the ongoing challenges of sediment removal.
Focus on Yerevan Lake and Urban Development
During the meeting, officials presented the upcoming beautification concept for Yerevan Lake and its surrounding areas. The plan aims to transform the lake into a cleaner, more well-maintained, and attractive destination for residents and tourists alike. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the city’s green spaces and improve urban ecological balance.
A significant portion of the talks centered on leveraging Beijing’s extensive experience in river and basin cleaning. The Armenian side expressed keen interest in adopting successful methodologies and technologies implemented in Beijing to address similar environmental challenges in Yerevan’s waterways. This exchange of knowledge is expected to provide valuable insights for future urban environmental projects in the Armenian capital.
High-Level Participation in COP17
The visit underscores the importance of COP17 as a platform for international collaboration on biodiversity protection. Armenian officials, including Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, have emphasized the national significance of biodiversity conservation for Armenia.
Prime Minister Pashinyan, during the opening of COP17, called for Yerevan to become a hub for new political resolve, urging immediate action on environmental issues. He stated, “Let Yerevan become a haven of new political resolve; we no longer have time to wait.”
Foreign Minister Mirzoyan highlighted that biodiversity protection is a matter of national importance for Armenia and that COP17 will create new opportunities for international cooperation. Gagik Baghunts also delivered a message to COP17 participants, urging proper attention to the biocultural consequences of the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh.
Broader Environmental Initiatives in Yerevan
The arrival of the Beijing delegation coincides with other significant environmental activities in Yerevan. Earlier, a declaration on nature protection was adopted in Yerevan, further solidifying the city’s commitment to ecological sustainability. These initiatives reflect a concerted effort by local and national authorities to address environmental concerns comprehensively.
The discussions with Vice Mayor Wen Xian are expected to pave the way for concrete cooperation projects between Yerevan and Beijing, particularly in the areas of water management, urban environmental planning, and the implementation of advanced cleaning technologies for rivers and reservoirs. Both sides expressed optimism about the potential for future partnerships that will benefit the environmental health of both cities.
The COP17 conference continues to bring together international leaders and experts, fostering dialogues and collaborations aimed at addressing global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/10/18/%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%A7-%D5%AA%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A5%D5%AC-%D5%8A%D5%A5%D5%AF%D5%AB%D5%B6%D5%AB-%D6%83%D5%B8%D5%AD%D6%84%D5%A1%D5%B2%D5%A1%D6%84%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A5%D5%BF-%D5%8E%D5%A5%D5%B6-%D5%8D%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A8/1984338
