BEIJING — Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Karen Karapetyan on Sept 14 for becoming Armenia’s prime minister.

Premier Li said he attaches great importance to developing the relationship between China and Armenia and is willing to keep in close contact with Karapetyan to further promote the friendly relationship between the two countries and bring about more benefits to the two peoples.

Premier Li noted that the relationship between the two sides has shown plenty of momentum in recent years, with frequent high-level visits, deepened mutual political understanding and strengthened ties in different fields.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Sept 13 appointed Karen Karapetyan as the country’s new prime minister, according to a government statement.

Prior to his appointment, Karapetyan worked as deputy general director for international projects at Gazprom Energy Holding.

Karapetyan is a member of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).